Being a fairly proficient "know it all", I tend to have an answer for most things, or at least an idea on the topic. There are rare (occasional, bordering on often) situations where I find that I either do not know something, or that my ideas are incorrect or founded on bad information.
Forming opinions and ideas is part of the learning process. We take in information, and use our experience to formulate thoughts, which shape into our opinions. This is incredibly challenging in todays day and age, as filtering information is really hard. "Trusted" sources, regardless of who they are, can sometimes be wrong.
Why then do we not hear more apologies or corrections about mistakes? Not to get too off the rails on this topic, but we live in a litigious society, meaning that we are quick to sue people and take them to court for liability. This has created a weird environment where we never hear people own mistakes, and even less frequently make an apology.
Sadly, apologizing is a form of accepting guilt, and opens you up for possible repercussions. What we hear instead, is that we now are working from "new information". This absolves the individual of the mistake, and and simply offers the correction without reconciling the problem. Without reconciliation, there can not be healing.
This can be in many aspects of our lives, from family, to friends, coworkers, as well as neighbors, and it can include almost all categories including religion, education, politics, and health. When we fail to pursue reconciliation, we may end up damaging relationships. Relationships that are more important than who is right or wrong.
There is a biblical precedent here too. Jesus' ministry was built around reconciliation. He even told his disciples, "Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar; and there remember that your brother has something against you; leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother; and then come and present your offering." (Matthew 5:23-24) This form of reconciliation requires us first to be reflective and introspective, and then to be humble and seek restoration.
Admitting when we are wrong is hard. This means that our ego is secondary to the relationship. We have to value the other person more than we uphold our pride. This is also an opportunity for growth for us. It may sound counter intuitive to say that we grow in being humble, it is in these moments that we grow more to reflect the image of God.
Have you been wrong recently? Is there someone you need to reconcile with? Don't wait, leave the offering, go and be reconciled.
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