No mulligans. No do overs. You can’t grab back those words or actions that hurt others or were just plain wrong. No turning back the clock. In so many ways, many times we have only 1, one, opportunity to do or say the right thing. None of us can say, ‘I really didn’t know/mean (fill in the blank)’ or, ‘that’s not what I intended’. Granted there are times when we really don’t realize the ramifications from our words… but is that a justifiable excuse?
That’s why we have to be purposed, intentional. There truly are no ameliorating words or actions. Besides, can we really say we had no idea about the ramifications? Or are we simply trying to distance ourselves from bad decisions – what I call being found out. And yes, it probably does depend on the situation. However, still… no excuse.
So now. You are faced with a situation that you did do/say all the wrong things at the wrong time to the wrong person. What do you do? I suspect that many times we only compound the problem – at least I know I do. Not always. Sometimes we do have the opportunity to lessen the impact. Do we? I suspect we can’t until we come to terms with our own motivation for doing what we did and accepting that we can’t ‘run’ from making amends in some way.
If you are really interested in a scriptural basis then:
https://www.bibletruths.org/7-characteristics-of-a-real-genuine-sincere-apology/ lists the 7 characteristics of a genuine/sincere apology.
“A real, genuine, sincere apology is more than just a confession of wrongdoing.
It is really a request for mercy and forgiveness; therefore, it needs to do more than just confess.”
1) RECOGNITION and REALIZATION
2) RESPONSIBILITY
3) REGRET and REMORSE
4) WITHOUT RESERVATION
5) REPENTANCE and REVISION
6) RESTORATION and RESTITUTION
7) REVIVAL
i have only identified the titles of the characteristics, but even just the names provides a mindset. Whether the sin be grievous or incidental (then again, there is never just a ‘little sin’) – when you find yourself in a position such as this… this becomes what you need to do to access what you need to do. Do these now represent your thinking and feeling? If not… then you really aren’t sorry. If they are, then they provide the basis for repentance and restoration.
Perhaps my title is not totally correct. Maybe this title should read: “You only get one (1) chance to resolve wrongful words and acts.”
