Facing Up To It

Facing up to our mistakes and our sins is generally slow and strenuous work. It’s not unlike the process of dying. And what often comes first is a period of denial: ‘I didn’t do anything wrong; besides, I didn’t really have any choice.’ This stage of self-deception may persist for a long time.

Meanwhile, there are the unhappy consequences to be lived with, and they can make us not only sad but angry, resentful, and blaming: ‘It’s all his fault, and it’s just not fair.’ Many people can never get beyond that stage.

God forgives us provided we move past denial, excuses and blaming others and instead take ownership of our own guilt. It’s much easier said than done. But the alternative is to waste God’s gift of life, and that would be a tragedy indeed.