Scripture
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Acts 3:19 (NIV)

Whether an intentional dig or an accidental slip of the tongue, we all wield the power to hurt others with our words. We all have stains on our past. Moments where we let others down and some where we slipped up. Our actions can often speak louder and inflict more pain than our words. So what do you do when you’ve hurt another?

 

Apologize. With a genuine heart, ask for their forgiveness. Yeah, I did that, but they still won’t return my text. Then it’s in God’s hands. Their heart is His business, and you’ve done what you can.

 

But have you taken a moment to reflect on who you really sinned against? Your words and actions inflicted pain against your friend, but nowhere in the Bible does it say “Don’t lie to Susan.” It says failing to keep your word means you have sinned “against the Lord.”

 

Whoever you hurt with your failures and shortcomings deserves an apology. But don’t forget to settle up with your God first. He is the one who wipes away our sins and provides true refreshment for our souls. No “it’s all good” text can replace the healing and redemption our Savior provides.

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