Core scripture:

“Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Oh, give me back my joy again;
you have broken me—
now let me rejoice” (Psalm 51:7-8).

Message: Guilt.  Guilt can absolutely crush someone.  We have all been there before.  You say something you don’t mean to say.  You handle a situation inappropriately.  You sin.  And we are all sinners, falling short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).  So, what do we do when that happens on the job?  With colleagues?  With students?  With your superiors?  It all boils down to two powerful words that we must embrace during these times: grace and humility.

When the sting of guilt overwhelms, we have to remember why Jesus went to the cross.  We don’t have to earn grace.  According to Ephesians 2:8, it is a gift from God.  Absolutely free!  No strings attached.  Jesus took the fall for you, for me, for everyone.  He loves us that much.  So long as you confess the sin and repent, Jesus is so quick to set you back on your feet.  So, that lack of patience you had yesterday … that gossip you spread … the apathy that got the best of you … it is all forgiven.  Hold tight to that thought.  Cling to it.

Once you are there, it is time for humility.  Whomever you wronged, approach them with a tender heart and ask for their forgiveness.  Earlier this year, I became impatient with two girls that were chatting too much and redirected them too harshly.  It ate away at me until I heard God’s voice calling me to make amends.  A day later, away from others, I quietly crouched next to each girl expressing my guilt.  It was relieving for me to see each one accept my apology, and one of them even had tears of acceptance welling in her eyes.

Humility is never easy, but as James 4:6 states, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”  That, my friends, is where grace and humility collide.  You can never go wrong with a little modesty.  Shove your pride aside.  More often than not, you will receive that forgiveness, but even if your humility fails, God knows you did right.  Through my 14 ½ years of teaching, I cannot recall a single time when my forgiveness was not accepted.  If you approach someone with the right heart, their grudge will hopefully melt away.

I wonder if any of you out there are pondering why I chose such a serious topic today.  Let me just say that this blog weighs heavy on my heart right now.  I need to live this one out on behalf of an unspoken prayer.  Grace and humility is all I have left.  Thank God for that grace!  Back to Psalm 51 above, He has broken me, yet right around the corner I know He will allow me to rejoice.  God bless you all for your prayers and support.

Song application: “Point to You” by We Are Messengers

How can I forgive when I can’t forgive myself
How can I move on when all I have is regrets
How can I fix you when I keep turning away
How can I make it past the noise with my shame

I need a miracle
Some healing for my heart
I need a revelation
A brand new start
I want simplicity
Where I can rest
But I need a miracle to put my past to death

I know You want my heart
My bruises and my scars
I’m coming as I am
The only way I can
I can’t forget from where I’ve come
And what my heart’s been rescued from
Yeah when they ask me who
I owe my whole life to
I point to You
I point to You

Quote: “Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?” (L.M. Montgomery)

Bible story: Read Psalm 51 and meditate over it.  David wrote this after sinning with Bathsheba, and his reliance on God for grace is inspiring.

Prayer: Lord of grace and mercy, remind me that every day is a new day with You.  Help me put my past behind me and embrace your unconditional love when I fall short.  Amen.