Post by Darlene Aiken
How many of us used to think, and in some instances may still think, that they were right about a particular disagreement? When we believe that we are right we many times also believe that the "wrong" person owes us an apology. When it is suggested that we be the first to apologize, we cannot help but initially think or say, you must be crazy. I am not apologizing to him/her because I was right and he/she was wrong.
I would like to, in the age of many challenge competitions today, challenge you to think about repentance in a different manner. Our ego dictates that we should stick it out until the other person apologizes because, after all, they were wrong. However, as Christians also know as followers of Christ. We are taught that repentance is necessary. So, if God looks upon repentance as a necessity and we give preference to who is right and who is wrong, we exalt ourselves and beliefs over God's Word which equates to sin. Pastor Bernard teaches us that whatever we sin against in life, we bring death to it.
So if we're waiting for our spouses, children, parents, siblings, friends, whomever, to repent because we were right about a particular subject, we are really wrong, as we are behaving in a sinful manner. In addition, we are also chipping away at our relationship over a position of right vs. wrong. More importantly, we are gambling with our salvation. God will not be mocked! Whatever it is that you're "right" about, God has ways of having truth revealed without needing any help from us. When we truly believe that, it frees us from having to boast of being right. In fact, those who interact with us on a regular basis will even come to know that we possess a Godly character and that in and of itself, at times, will place us in a position that we don't feel the need to engage in right or wrong, rather seek repentance regardless, at the onset.
The world in which we are living in today bombards us with so much so quickly, sometimes we do not know if we are coming or going. It is incumbent upon us to stop, take time to hear God speak to us via His Word. Stop holding onto being right rather seek His righteousness. Are your important relationships worthy of being sacrificed over who is right and who is wrong? Is the most important relationship with God worthy of being sacrificed? Is your salvation worthy of being sacrificed? Tomorrow nor the next minute is promised to any of us. Matthew 4:17 (NLT) "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the kingdom of Heaven is near." I implore you to not wait as you will waste valuable time and you may not get another opportunity to not only say, "I apologize," but you may not be afforded the opportunity to say nor hear, "I Love You!" Luke 13:3b (NIV) "But unless you repent, you too will all perish."
