We need to train ourselves to be quick in admitting our wrong behaviors and attitudes and confess them to God and others . We tend to judge ourselves by our intentions rather than our behavior . We don ’ t intend to be bad people , so we feel shame when we come to the reality that we have wronged someone . This is why there is a tendency to blame others or external circumstances when we are confronted .
“ There was no clear speed limit sign , and that caused me to break the speed limit .”
“ It ’ s my wife ’ s fault that I lost my temper because she was nagging me so much .”
“ My boss treats me so poorly , and so it is his fault that I don ’ t work hard . That is why I stole from the petty cash jar . He owes me ."
“ My spouse didn ’ t respect me at home , and that caused me to have an affair .”
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You get the idea .
It is easy to rationalize our sins away but we must own up to our actions . Other people don ’ t cause you to sin . Even when others may frustrate you or even wrong you , you are responsible for your responses .
THE GREAT NEWS : 1 John 1:9 says that “ If we confess our sins , He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness .”
Some translations say , “ If we confess , he will purify . . .” This purification process is dependent upon our confession .
Don ’ t Put Off Course Adjustments
The longer you go without a course correction , the more of a correction will be needed to get back on track . After you have recognized and confessed that you are off course , you will need to make a tangible response . Just as an airplane won ’ t get itself on course