Go back and make things right

“Tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord.” Psalm 78:4 NIV

A legacy, good or bad, is something handed down from one person to another. I hope, over time, God has healed your hurts and you have moved on, but what are you leaving behind? The harsh words you spoke may have been based on what was happening in your life at the time, but now you see things more clearly. It’s wonderful when you move from resenting others to forgiving them—but have you left unhealed wounds? James writes, “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires” (James 1:19-20 NLT). Your words can do lasting damage, and that should concern you. Paul wrote, “See…that no one falls short of the grace of God and…no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many” (Hebrews 12:15 NIV). Have you planted seeds that caused a root of bitterness to grow in someone’s heart? If possible, you must make amends by seeking forgiveness and trying to set the record straight with those you have left festering over a situation you now feel differently about. It’s humbling, but you must do it because you won’t feel right toward God until you’re right with those He loves. Jesus said, “If you are offering your gift at the altar and…remember…your brother…has something against you…go and be reconciled…then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23-24 NIV). Dr. Dale Turner wrote, “It is the highest form of self-respect to admit our errors and mistakes and make amends for them…A mistake is only an error in judgment, but to adhere to it when it is discovered shows weakness of character.”

Bible in a year: Leviticus 1-3 and Matthew 24:1-28