A Confession

A confession is in order for my inappropriate actions in an encounter with my children last night. Yes, I was impatient; there's no doubt that was wrong. No explanation, no excuses. But the real issue largely at hand that I feel requires forgiveness and repentance is the drastic error in my mindset after the fact.


My sorrow and frustration afterward was because I felt my impatience hurt their feelings about me. I felt bad that I negatively affected their image of me. I felt bad because my actions hurt my own self-esteem.

I felt worse that they were upset with me (and for the wrong reason, at that) rather than being upset by my own wrongful actions. The Holy Spirit quickly pointed out that I should be feeling bad about my wrongful actions that offended Him and caused havoc within those relationships.

Shouldn't I be more concerned with my sin of impatience and the harm to my relationships with God and others? It is wrong to distort that into loving what others think of me. Or trying to act patient for the sake of pleasing them instead of clothing myself with Christ.

Sometimes my frustration with myself in poor parenting is more that I have shattered a faulty image of a perfect family. That is so wrong! God is quick to point out my concern needs to lie in loving Him, loving others, and displaying the attitude of Christ. These are the elements that should grieve me when I react emotionally and impulsively.

Thank goodness He's not done with me yet!

Holy God, I confess my sin of impatience and selfish concerns and seek Your mercy and forgiveness. I earnestly desire to walk in righteousness and fellowship with You, pleasing You in all I do. Give me eyes to see these flaws and overcome this sinful flesh of mine. Teach me to be more concerned with offending You rather than in my own esteem. Enable me to have a good, even temper in every encounter. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

If we confess our sins,

he is faithful and just

and will forgive us our sins

and purify us from all unrighteousness.

[1 Jn 1:9]