ECCLESIASTES 3:1, 7
One of the hardest things for me to do is to apologize. In order for me to do it, I need to get rid of my anger against that other person, set aside my pride, and admit that I was wrong. Unfortunately, even though I hate it, I find myself apologizing all of the time. When I am mad at a classmate and avoid him all day, I have to apologize, and it is sooo hard. But as Christians we have made an agreement with God to put off our old nature and take up a new nature. That means getting rid of my anger and pride—and being willing to apologize. Just this weekend I had to apologize to a close friend for how immaturely and rudely I behaved when I got mad over a small issue. That really hurt—it was not easy for me, but God was there behind me every step of the way, making sure I handled the situation correctly and didn’t leave anything out. Talk about supervision! As the author of Ecclesiastes says, there is a time to tear and a time to mend. When I hurt others by my words or actions, I have the responsibility to make it right, to mend the relationship. Sometimes it is easier than expected; other times it is extremely difficult, but God expects me to make the effort to fix the problem I have made.
Kimberlee DeGroot, 14, Petra Academy, Bozeman MT
Admitting I’m wrong is one of my least
favorite things to do, Lord. So please teach me
to be more humble so that I can forgive and be forgiven.