The people of Corinth did not always like Paul, because he never hesitated to call a spade a spade. He never tried to hide the truth. On the contrary! If something was not according to God’s will, he would take it on without thinking twice and wipe it out.

Not everybody could deal with this directness on Paul’s part and some didn’t react positively. Some even rebelled against it and said some things about Paul. Stories were spread and as it happens, some took sides against Paul and the stories grew and grew.

It seems to me that Titus played a big role in repairing the relationship between Paul and the people of Corinth. Titus shed some light on the issue and the people of Corinth developed new insight. Obviously, Paul was ecstatic: 7We were glad just to see him, but the true reassurance came in what he told us about you: how much you cared, how much you grieved, how concerned you were for me. I went from worry to tranquillity in no time

In the beginning everyone enjoyed hearing Paul’s message, but when the people realised what was expected of them and when they started experiencing opposition, they wanted to turn back. They started saying things against Paul. But, fortunately, they soon realised their mistake and went back to the truth. They were also mature enough to apologise for their mistakes.

I wonder why it is so difficult for us to admit our mistakes. We’re all human and part of that is making mistakes. Yes, it’s true! Everybody makes mistakes. Our way of thinking and doing is not always right. But mistakes can have a positive effect on us. You see, the tripping and falling down and getting back up again give us the insight and wisdom to take another road next time.

However, we must first realise that we have made a mistake and that is the hardest part. We’re not really geared to do that. But we cannot turn the negative effect of the mistake into a positive if we don’t admit making the mistake in the first place. I know many of us struggle with this. I wonder why. Maybe because we’re afraid people will see we’re not as strong as we pretend. Maybe you’re afraid people will think badly of you. But the opposite is true! When you admit your mistake, people look up to you, because they can identify with you. They also make mistakes and see your admission as being courageous, and that you are someone who is not afraid to take what’s coming to you and that you are prepared to learn from your mistakes.

We’re often afraid to admit our mistakes, because we’re afraid of the consequences. It’s true, the short-term consequences are normally not good and sometimes we have to take what’s coming to us, but in the long term everything works out for the best.

Maybe you have made a mistake or two that you’re hiding under the bed. Maybe you don’t have the courage to admit it and apologise. Maybe it acts like a handbrake that was pulled up. It bothers you all the time and slows you down. Maybe you should seriously consider confessing your mistake before God. And maybe He will lead you to confess it to others as well. God will hold your hand. He will help you turn the negative into a positive.

Click here to go to the Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:5-7

Reflection

Have you made mistakes?

Are some still lying under your bed?

How can you get rid of them?

Prayer

Father, thank you that I can know that I “may” also make mistakes. Please help me to admit my mistakes and learn from them. Please help me not to step into the same holes. Amen