Everyone makes mistakes. That is part of being human.

When others ask us for forgiveness, we are obligated to fulfill their request (Matthew 6:12-14).

But what if we are the one asking for forgiveness? If we recognize a mistake in our conduct, we will need to seek forgiveness. That is part of Christian fellowship. Seeking and receiving forgiveness is a reality of Christian living.

But seeking forgiveness without being willing to admit our mistakes is not the right way. It is unusual for people – even Christians – to describe wrong conduct in detail. Our human nature prefers to gloss over things or deny them. We prefer to hide our sins from others. When others see a fault in us, we might want to deny it, or later we might say: "Well, if I did something wrong, then . . ."

Reconciliation will never be achieved this way. Reconciliation is only possible if we admit our mistakes honestly and openly. We have to humble ourselves and say: "My conduct was wrong. My mistake was that I . . .", and then we admit our mistake.

What is important for our interpersonal relationships is also the foundation for our relationship with God. Many years ago Joshua asked an Israelite to confess his sins: "Give glory to the Lord God of Israel, and make confession to Him, and tell me now what you have done; do not hide it from me" (Joshua 7,19). Our walk with God begins with repentance: with us admitting our sins (Acts 2:38).

Our relationships – whether with our fellow human beings or God – will suffer if we are not willing to admit our mistakes.

With these thoughts I wish us all a rewarding Sabbath!