If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to [Jesus], he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:8-9
Even the most incredible parents can be impatient, grumpy, or frustrated. What matters is what you do next!
Rachel & Mathias have four children, and by now, they’ve learned that their kids don’t just learn from their glowing examples of patience and composure. They also learn from their parents how to apologize when they speak in anger, repair a relationship after a fight, and take responsibility for feeling grouchy. That’s because when Rachel or Mathias make a mistake, they don’t pretend nothing happened. Instead, each owns their behavior! “Sorry I was stressed this morning,” Mathias told his nine-year-old. “It wasn’t anything you did. I’m having a busy time at work. I’m sorry I didn’t handle that better.”
Because mom and dad model own their mistakes and growing beyond them, their children do, too. Later, their nine-year-old was heard saying to her sibling: “Sorry, I was grumpy. I know you’re just trying to help.” Mathias couldn’t help smiling as he realized that he and Rachel aren’t teaching their children how to be perfect—that’s impossible. Instead, they’re teaching them how to grow beyond today’s mistakes.
Owning a mistake takes courage! But when we live in community, it’s important that we recognize how our sin can hurt the people around us. God convicts us of sin so we can reject it, apologize, and move forward as we recommit to living God’s way.
The Bible reminds us, “If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to [Jesus], he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness” (I John 1:8-9). There’s no shame in admitting we’re not perfect. In fact, there’s great growth in it.
