Why are those words so hard to say? “I was wrong.” Three little words. All single syllable. But, they are among the most difficult for the human tongue to utter.
Often times, the one who has done wrong will try to “explain it away.” Some make excuses. Some shift the blame. Some diminish the seriousness of the matter. Some argue semantics. Some try to split hairs. Some seek to change the subject. Some turn the tables and try to find something just as guilty in the offended party, which will somehow justify the offense. Anything. Anything to keep from admitting it and saying those three words.
When Achan was confronted with the evidence against him, the first words from his mouth were, “Indeed, I have sinned against the Lord God” (Josh. 7:20). When David realized that there was nowhere else for him to run and grasped the damage that he had done, he finally confessed, “I have sinned against the Lord” (2 Sam. 12:13). After shamefully treating his father with contempt, the prodigal son came to himself and declared, “I have sinned against heaven and before you” (Luke 15:18, 21). Although the Bible clearly (and repeatedly) teaches and demonstrates that “all have sinned” (Rom. 3:23), there are surprisingly few individuals recorded in Scripture, who actually acknowledged with their lips, “I have sinned.”
Let’s ask again: Why are those words so hard to say? To say, “I was wrong,” takes courage. To say, “I was wrong,” takes humility. To say, “I was wrong,” takes a sense of shame. To say, “I was wrong,” requires accepting responsibility for one’s actions and/or words. To say, “I was wrong,” may make one vulnerable. To say, “I was wrong,” takes a willingness to accept any consequences that may follow. Wow! Well, when we see it from that viewpoint, no wonder there are so few who will utter those words.
But, brothers and sisters in Christ, just because something is hard does not mean it cannot, should not and must not be done! It is one thing to be able to confess to God, “I have sinned!” And, such an admission is absolutely essential to maintain our proper relationship with Him. But, it is another thing to be able to say to each other (i.e., husbands, wives, parents, children, friends, family, brethren, sistren, etc.), “I was wrong.” And such is absolutely essential for those relationships, too!
Our responsibility as Christians is not to confess the faults of others to one another but to confess our own sins to one another (Jas. 5:16), especially ones against each other (Matt. 5:23-24; 18:15). Then, it is equally our responsibility to forgive (Matt. 6:14-15; Col. 3:13). Our relationships in our homes and in the church are to emulate Jesus. Do they?