Mistakes
“There is a prevalence of foolish rationalism nowadays…prevalent are self-justification, excuses for our passions, beautification of sin, and its reinforcement through modern psychological supports. The admission of mistakes is regarded as belittlement, weakness and generally improper. The constant justification of our self, and the meticulous transferal of responsibilities elsewhere have created a human being that is confused, divided, disturbed, worn-out, miserable and self-absorbed, taunted by the devil, and captured in his dark nets…The devil dances for joy whenever there is no forgiveness for human weaknesses and in everyday mistakes.” (Monk Moses of the Holy Mountain)
“The world is only messed up because there’s something wrong with us, with each of us. Since those who love us and those who live alongside us put up with us and help carry the burden of our mistakes, let us do the same for them. When we are willing to repent–cheerfully–for other people’s mistakes, we find ourselves liberated from many of our own temptations.” (Timothy G. Patitsas)
“We are asked to be like the Samaritan woman at the well, who Christ identified as living a very sinful life. The woman at the well, realizing she was standing before the Son of God repented with deep humility. She “opened her heart to God “(Luke 7:44-47) and experienced His mercy. When we genuinely repent we acknowledge our sins, experience a feeling of humility and acceptance of our mistakes. We have a change of heart. When this acknowledgment takes place we can reconnect with God. We have a sense of harmony with our Beloved Father.” (Angie Giallourakis)
“God is giving us an opportunity to own up to our mistakes and failings. He wants us to ask for forgiveness, so that we can then take strength from Him through the prayers of the priest, so as to clean ourselves and strive not to repeat our mistakes. God does not need our confession, but we do. Every confession is a repeat, in the New Eden of the Church, of that opportunity given to Adam and Eve in Eden, to ask God for forgiveness. Unlike human-beings, God always forgives those who sincerely, with repentance, ask Him for forgiveness. However, before we ask forgiveness of God, we first have to ask forgiveness of each other.” (Archpriest Andrew Phillips)
“There is nothing wrong with feeling guilt for the things we do wrong. But once we have identified and confessed our mistake and, if possible, tried to make amends for it, the just and honest thing to do is to let it go. We all make mistakes. Holding on to past wrongs is as foolish as a basketball player perseverating over a missed shot in a previous game. It not only distracts from the current game but increases the chance of repeating the mistake.God can use even our faults and mistakes for His purposes. While we live here on earth, God is never finished with us. We must believe that there are still more opportunities, challenges, and work ahead of us…there is no reverse gear in life. We can only go forward…So instead of looking backward, we should look forward, asking the Lord to reveal His calling for us now in the present.” (Richard Paul Evans, Fr. Basil)
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