I admit that I am embarrassed when I re-read my posts the day after publishing and find a grammatical error or a typo. Please know that these mistakes aren’t intentional but in all reality, they do occur from time to time. I’m sure that some of it has to do with the process I use to write each post.
In fact, I just sit in front of the screen and wait to be convicted by the Holy Spirit to write on a specific topic. Sometimes, the idea comes quickly – but other times I could sit here for an hour or more and have no earthly idea what I am to write about. However, I do trust the process. For more than 2000 posts, I have sat patiently waiting for a nudging from the Spirit to “suggest” a topic for the evening. I’ve never failed to eventually produce a document that I believe is in accordance with what I am to convey to our readers.
But that doesn’t mean that I don’t make human mistakes from time to time. With almost 2 million words on this site, there are bound to be some real doozies when it comes to spelling and grammar. And I am sure that most of you can spot my typos and, for the most part, travel right over them. Extending grace to me is something that I really appreciate. Sometimes, I am really tired by the time I write and editing leaves something to be desired.
This whole topic brings up an interesting point. As believers, we are to give each other the benefit of the doubt, and no matter how hard we try, from time to time, we make mistakes or, put another way, we make missteps. We are all subject to them. And thats’ when we extend grace to one another. This is similar to the way that sin works. For the non-believer, sin is the default way of life. It is the ordinary thing to do because nonbelievers are caught up in the ways of the world, not the ways of heaven and our Father.
When a person accepts Christ as their Lord and Savior, it does not mean that they will never sin again. But it does mean that the old nature is gone and replaced by a new nature where sin is the exception rather than the default setting. Many times throughout my ministry years, people have come to me wondering if they are really saved because they still sin from time to time. This is normal. I’m not saying that God loves it, mind you, but He understands that we are human and from time to time we make human mistakes. It’s kind of like my problem with typos. I don’t do it on purpose, but I make mistakes…
It is important that each of us accept the fact that from time to time, we will fall short of our goals. I mean our divine goals… We know what God expects of us but, inevitably, we will fall short from time to time. The same thing is true with our friendships and even our families. This is important to remember as we begin the holiday season where many of us will be surrounded by friends and loved ones. It is a good idea for all of us to extend grace to one another and realize that this side of heaven, we are not perfect.
And when we feel the embarrassment of falling short, or being criticized, it is important for us to extend grace to ourselves. It took me years to understand this concept. As long as we exist on this earth, we will sin, make typos and fall short. God will forgive us if we acknowledge our shortcomings, repent and seek forgiveness.
Tonight’s verse is from John’s first epistle. He is trying to explain that even believers sin from time to time, but that God will forgive us. John, the author of five books of the Bible, including the Gospel that bears his name, three letters and the book of Revelation, tells us, in 1 John 1:8-10, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.”
Notice that John realizes that we all sin – we all make mistakes. Yet he is quick to remind us of God’s love for us and His faithfulness to us. My encouragement this evening is that we all fall short of our expectations for ourselves. We must learn to forgive ourselves for our mistakes. Any thoughts that any of us are above occasionally sinning borders on arrogance. My prayer is that we will all embrace the truth that God will forgive us and that this Christmas season, we will extend and receive grace with dignity. Have a great day in the Lord, grace and peace… And thanks for forgiving my periodic typos!