Reset

Have you ever needed a do-over? One flaw often leaves me longing for a reset. People tell me that I’m too blunt. Of course, they were rather forthcoming in the same way by telling me, but that’s human nature. When I’ve had to apologize, it’s usually the result of speaking before my mind is fully engaged.

Thus, when my new friend suddenly burst out in tears and told me how much I hurt her feelings, I immediately said, “I am so sorry! Will you please forgive me?” What more could I say? I’ve learned the hard way that defensive answers leave me listening to the phone disconnecting. We are still friends, proving that God’s way is always right.

Taking it one crucial step further, I turned to the Lord after we hung up and bowed my heart and head praying, “Lord, I hurt her feelings. Please forgive me. Help me to watch what I say and how I say it.”  First John 1:9 is as true today as when the apostle John wrote it: “If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” That day I needed a reset by repentance, which the Lord graciously granted.