Baz Gascoyne on making mistakes

Baz Gascoyne

How refreshing it was to hear last month President Barack Obama admitting to making a mistake and apologising and saying he would learn from this.

It is always interesting to see the reaction of people when they see or hear someone apologise and say sorry. If we have been wronged and someone does have the courage to apologise to us for something they have done we usually reply by saying 'it's ok' but deep down we are still struggling with what caused us upset. Is this because we are not very good ourselves at apologising and so don't know how to respond? It is really good for the person who is apologising to hear the reply "I forgive you" as this is so releasing and encouraging for them.

Elton John sang that 'sorry seems to be the hardest word'. This is so true as we find it very hard to admit to making a mistake. I think this is down to the fact we think it is a sign of weakness admitting we have done wrong and need to say sorry. The truth is it's a sign of strength.

As a young teenager my favourite TV programme was Happy Days. The only thing that the Fonz could not do was say he was sorry. He would begin trying to and all he could say was "I'm S- s-so...sor" and then quickly move on as it was seen as being un-cool to admit to the fact I was wrong and I am sorry.

In society today there are men, women and children who are hurting inside with guilt because they have not said the word sorry. Research has shown that many people who are sick with arthritis are ill due to bitterness because of some feud with another person.

'Bitterness is unfulfilled revenge' anon

Just saying sorry can lift so much stress and anxiety from a person and release them into a whole new realm of freedom.

Unfortunately within the Church, as well as outside, there is much pride and people will not admit to their wrong. We need to realise we all make mistakes and the sooner we can learn to apologise quickly and sincerely the quicker we will learn what it means to live and constantly experience God's grace.

Today why not ask God to show you if there is anyone you need to say sorry to. Wait awhile and give Him space for His Spirit to bring to mind anyone who you need to contact to do this. You may need to write a letter, email or a phone call or if they live locally go and see them and apologise.

In James 5:16 we read "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed."

It's ok to screw up but not ok to not admit it and not want to rectify it.