We all make mistakes, misjudge issues, and mess up at some point. We’re all human. The truth is that mistakes are one of the major ways in which we learn and get wiser. But because of our fear of being criticised or losing face, we often attempt to hide our mistakes. The only real calamity about mistakes is if you don’t learn something from them. Failing to admit a mistake blocks the path to growth. Listen to the words of the Lord when He admonished the Israelites to learn from their mistakes: ‘Jeremiah, say to the people, “This is what the Lord says: ‘When people fall down, don’t they get up again? When they discover they’re on the wrong road, don’t they turn back?’”’ (Jeremiah 8:4 NLT). It’s a relief to you and an inspiration to others when you can acknowledge your mistakes without being defined or derailed by them. Circumstances and other people may have swayed our decisions, but in the end, we are each responsible for what we do. When we make a mistake, the action we take is – our choice. The best approach for dealing with your mistake is to accept complete responsibility, learn from it, decide how not to repeat it, and go on. Interestingly, other people will connect with you more and even respect you more when you are able to acknowledge your weaknesses. And it sets them free to do the same thing. Humility is one of the attributes that people esteem in others; pride is hated – even by other proud people.

© 2024. Written by Bob and Debby Gass. Used by permission under licence from UCB International.