Atypical AdviceSample

Mess up. Make up. Move on.   

So you messed up, huh? You said something hurtful, did something cruel, or just made a mistake. Well, Peter can relate. 

When Jesus was being taken to be judged and later crucified, Peter denied Jesus. (Luke 22:54-62). Jesus had to be hurt by the betrayal, and Peter definitely felt bad—he cried once he realized what he’d done (Mark 14:72). 

We know that Peter knew Jesus and was actually one of His closest friends. But sometimes you may hurt people you love. 

Peter would probably remind you that there’s always a chance for redemption. 

After the resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples multiple times. On one of these post-resurrection appearances, he had a conversation with Peter after breakfast. And in this conversation, Peter got to tell Jesus that he loved Him not once, but three times. How cathartic must that have felt? 

And at the end of their conversation, Jesus simply told Peter to feed His sheep and follow Him. What does that mean exactly? Jesus asked Peter to teach and take care of His followers. He asked Peter to keep making more disciples of Christ. He asked him to lead the church. 

Maybe, like Peter, you’re beating yourself up over something you said or did that hurt a loved one. Maybe you’re haunted by those hateful words or comments you left someone online. Maybe you regret bullying someone in middle or high school. 

All you have to do is run to Jesus and repent. He’ll give you the grace you need to erase the pain and cover up your mistake with new truths. 

Your mistakes only define you if you let them. Peter went on to feed Jesus’ sheep. He went on to write some of the New Testament, to spread the Good News, and to die for Christ. 

So go on. Don’t stay stuck. You’ve been redeemed. 

Reflect: Are you still beating yourself up over a mistake you made? How can you forgive yourself, seek forgiveness from that person, and/or repent?  

Pray: God, I’m sorry. I messed up, and I ___. I didn’t mean to hurt ___. I love them, and I love You. Please forgive me. I don’t want to carry this anymore. I want to forgive myself and lay this at Your feet. Thank You for Your grace and Your mercy. Amen.