Why is it that some people have such a difficult time admitting their faults? Why do people struggle to say the words “I was wrong?” and “I’m sorry”? The answer to these questions is really quite simple, because the only thing that will prevent someone from admitting when they are wrong is
PRIDE.
Pride is “the quality or state of being proud; an unreasonable overestimation of one’s own superiority in talents, beauty, wealth, rank etc., which manifests itself in lofty airs, distance, reserve and often contempt of others; lofty self-respect; elevation of character; proud or disdainful behavior or treatment; insolence or arrogance of demeanor; haughty bearing and conduct; insolent exultation.” It is the feeling that one is better than another, based on their view that they are superior in some way.
But the Bible teaches that everyone has sinned, and that we have all fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). This means that in the sight of God, we are all the same. We are sinners, just like everyone else. But when someone is filled with pride, they will refuse to admit this and will continue to hold onto the belief that they are better than someone else. But the truth is that they aren’t, and James teaches that God will resist the proud.
James 4:6-10 “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”
The very first step that needs to be taken is for someone to willingly come forward and admit that they were wrong. This is really the starting block that a person needs to line up at if they want to begin the path to forgiveness.
I am wrong. I am a sinner. I need forgiveness.
A humble person will cry and feel disappointed in themselves because of their sins and shortcomings. A humble person will be filled with a heavy heart when they have done something wrong.
Mary Magdalene was the woman who cried on Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with the hair on her head. When she displayed this show of humility, what did Jesus say? “Her sins, which are many, are forgiven.” She had recognized that she had made mistakes in her past, and it had showed. Someone who is not humble but is instead filled with pride will not cry because of the sins which they commit. They will not be sad, because the pride in their heart dulls their feelings that would otherwise allow them to recognize their mistakes. When they should mourn and weep, they are filled with laughter. They do not care when they sin or even if they sin, because in their own mind they have done nothing wrong.
What is one of the oldest methods of displaying sorrow, humility, and penitence, especially before someone such as a king? Bowing down to the ground and weeping. Making yourself as low as possible, placing yourself underneath, and begging for mercy. This shows humility.
Matthew 23:12 “And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.”
1 Peter 5:6 “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:”
If you want the forgiveness that comes from God, you first need to humble yourself and admit that you are wrong. Your admission of your sins is required if you want them to be taken away, and it takes a meek and humble spirit. Can you do that? If you can then God will lift you up.
In Christ
Andrew
Teufer Lake King James Bible Church 