"It is not fun to look at our own weaknesses, but we can choose humility. We can choose to grow in grace and the fruit of the Spirit of God." Kathy Spampinato

Have you ever wished for a do-over? We sometimes find ourselves disappointed at our own actions. At the end of the day, we glance back and realize we’re not happy with the result of a conversation. We wish we had chosen our words more carefully. We remember the look on our friend’s face and realize we put our foot in our mouth. We stepped on their toes.

It is not that we intended to hurt our friend, but venting our own feelings of frustration led to careless and unkind words. We cared more about our own feelings, than the feelings of our friend. Now we realize the damage is done and we cannot take back the words. The friend is hurt and the relationship is damaged. We have to deal with the consequences. Now we’re hoping for a do-over; another chance. Next time we want to do the right thing.

The Bible gives us wisdom to deal with difficult circumstances, even when we are the cause of them. The Lord can use His word to help reveal our motives.

Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Perhaps it is time to acknowledge our own failings. To repent means to truly be sorry and determine to go another way. We can choose to do the right thing. We can decide to speak kindly and to cherish our relationships. We can apologize and determine to build up our friends and family members. This is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of the strength to admit we made a mistake. It is not fun to look at our own weaknesses, but we can choose humility. We can choose to grow in grace and the fruit of the Spirit of God.

Lamentations 3:23-23 “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

2 John 1:3 “Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s son, in truth and love.”

Every morning brings a new day, and an opportunity for a fresh start. God is offering us mercy and fresh grace today. We do not need to live with the guilt and shame that the enemy brings, for there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1) We can reset and choose to allow God to lead us. Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit to be our comforter and guide. Regardless of yesterday’s mistakes, we can choose to align ourselves with the Holy Spirit today, and walk in newness of life. This is not ‘the easy button’. It may be challenging and humbling but the result will be love extended and fruit that will endure.

John 16:12-13a, 33 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, …I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

1 Peter 5:6-7 “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

Jesus is telling us that the world we live in will bring us difficulty. Our lives will not be without struggle, and at times we will be pressed to find direction or a solution. With the Holy Spirit as our guide, we can discover who we are in Christ. We will gain insight into the character of God and learn that we are more than we thought we were, as we reflect Him. May God grant you grace, and blessings for the journey.