Unintentional Hurts

Have you ever done something that hurt someone without intending to do so?  Such was the case last week when I did something I thought was perfectly “fine,” but which ended up being something that hurt my friends.

As humans we are flawed.  Our actions and words sometimes cause unintentional hurts, and while most people don’t go through life TRYING to hurt others, when we do and it is brought to our attention, there are things we must do in response:

1.  Stop Everything and Apologize – Matthew 5:23-24 says, “Therefore, if you bring a gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering and go; first be reconciled to your brother and then come and present your offering.”   

Remember - there are three parts to a good apology:

a.       Say you’re sorry

b.       Admit your fault in the situation

c.       Ask what you can do to make it right.

2.  Ask God for Forgiveness – 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

We are told that sin separates us from God, so this is a necessary step to restoring our relationship with Him.

3.  Ask Him to Change Your Heart – Psalm 51:10 says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

This last step asks God to help us not repeat the mistakes of our past.

When you hurt someone, you must take these steps to restore your relationship.  But sometimes, the shoe is on the other foot.  Sometimes, people will accidentally hurt you. 

When that happens we must let them know that was the case so our hurt does not fester within us.  And, we should also give them grace for their actions.  Colossians 3:13 says it best, “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you.  Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”