When you make a mistake

“Though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.” (Psalm 37:24 ESV)

A few months ago, while cleaning out the basement, I decided it was time to part with an old kitchen table that had long outlived its glory days. Believing it might find a new home, I placed it on the curb with a “Free” sign. Almost immediately, someone stopped, loaded it into their vehicle, and drove away. Just then, my granddaughter arrived and witnessed the scene unfold. Tearfully, she shared that the table held cherished memories and had been promised to her by her mother. By the time I realized my mistake, the vehicle had vanished, leaving me feeling helpless. I regretted assuming no one would want the old table and inadvertently hurting my granddaughter. I wished I could turn back time, but unfortunately, I couldn’t rectify the situation.

Everyone Makes Mistakes 

Albert Einstein once said, “Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.” If you’re human, you will inevitably make mistakes because they are an intrinsic part of life. When you do make a mistake, you strive to fix it. Sometimes you can, and sometimes you can’t. In my case, there was no way to undo giving away my granddaughter’s cherished table. As I witnessed her pain, I cried alongside her and expressed my deep regret for my actions. Eventually, she reassured me that she understood it was an honest mistake and forgave me, and we embraced. Yet, every time I reflect on that moment, a sense of remorse washes over me.

When We Make a Mistake

When mistakes happen, do everything you can to make amends as quickly as possible, and strive to learn from the experience. Take a moment to reflect on what went wrong and how you can avoid similar mistakes in the future. By learning from our missteps, we grow stronger. Winston Churchill wisely noted, “All men make mistakes, but only wise men learn from their mistakes.” The Bible also reminds us, “For we all stumble in many ways, and if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body” (James 3:2 ESV). While Scripture teaches that the only perfect man was Jesus Christ—who never erred—the rest of us will make mistakes from time to time.

When you make a mistake humbly confess it

“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” (Prov. 28:13 ESV)

“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.” (1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV) 

Therefore

“For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.” (Prov. 24:16 ESV)

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 ESV)

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Rom. 8:1 ESV)

Quote

“When you make a mistake, there are only three things you should ever do about it: admit it, learn from it, and don’t repeat it.” - Paul Bear Bryant