Even when forgiveness isn’t given, humility honors God. 🌿💛

When was the last time you said something you didn't mean to hurt someone else? Maybe the conversation was heated, and you couldn't find the proper words. Or found yourself at fault, but your pride got in the way, so the only way to soothe your pride was to say something harsh enough to wound the other person. Now, you may not notice that at first because you’re blinded by emotion (which is an act of the flesh) and didn’t quite grasp the impact those words could have.

📖 “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” – Proverbs 12:18

But later on, as you sit and recap the conversation and try to tend to the wounds of your pride, you realize you were harsh and wrong. Shouldn't you rectify your mistake? Apologize and ask for forgiveness — even if you know that forgiveness may not be given?

📖 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” – Matthew 5:23–24

See as humans, it is only natural to allow our emotions to drive us through our days. But as Christians, we are called to think before we speak, seek guidance from the Lord, and be patient or understanding of the other person's point of view. We are not to be prideful and blind to our own errors because humility honors God. We are to choose better than that.

Sometimes the recipient of your lashing is also allowing their emotions to show, and instead of staying quiet, letting it go, or speaking softly, they too are perhaps yelling or not allowing you to speak. Both parties are at fault, and both parties should humbly seek forgiveness and reconcile. It doesn't mean they both have to, though.

📖 “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” – Romans 12:18

Pride is an ugly little troll. Once it lives at the gate of your heart, very few will be allowed in… including our Lord and Savior.

📖 “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” – Proverbs 16:18

So here’s the truth: when we set pride aside and walk humbly, the Lord draws near. We cannot always control whether someone accepts our apology or extends forgiveness, but we can control whether we honor God in our response. To humble ourselves, to ask for forgiveness, and to forgive others — this is what we are called to do.

📖 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32

So the choice is ours. We can cling to pride and let it harden our hearts, or we can lay it down before the Lord and choose reconciliation. One path closes the door to His presence. The other opens it wide.

Which will you choose? I'm choosing the latter.