Proverbs 22 (Elaine)
"The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life" Proverbs 22:4
Okay ... so, have you ever been in a place where you needed to humble yourself and ask forgiveness for something you did or said to someone? I've been there more times than I would like to admit. The question is . . . did you go back to them and ask for forgiveness or did you just vow to yourself to do better next time and never ask the person for forgiveness. The former will give you the riches, honor and life as Jesus said. The latter will leave you feeling empty and open the door for disunity with this person.
First, admit your mistake before the Lord and repent.
Ask for forgiveness and then the strength and the grace to ask for forgiveness from the person that you said or did something to.
Secondly, actually go to the person and admit your wrong. It is not the easiest thing to do, but the life that you will experience from asking for forgiveness is worth it. Did you ever think that the person you need to speak with may even respect you more for coming to them and asking for forgiveness?
Not that that should be your motive, but be sincere and speak from your heart. Humble yourself!
Remember, think before you speak. We wouldn't have to humble ourselves as much if we did this. For some reason, I never forgot a saying that was on the bulletin board in my sophomore year in high school.
It said, "speaking before thinking is like shooting without taking aim." Think about it!
Also, have a reverential fear and awe of the Lord, not an attitude of being scared of coming to Him. Just remember the riches, honor and life that Jesus promises.
