I messed up, what now..?

[Seattlelexi09]

Does anybody know what to do once you've messed up?

I'm newly baptized and have been devoting myself to live Christ like. I know I'm not perfect and will make mistakes but how do I get over the pain of making a mistake? How do I get over the feeling of letting God down?

For example, today I ran into someone from my past, an ex in fact. From my eye I can see him. He even goes on to say "Thats the girl I was once with". Now we didn't end on bad terms or anything so I don't know why I was so unfriendly but as I walked by him I said nothing, eyes forward and pretended as though he didn't exist. Immediately I see the reaction on his face from my peripheral vision and the table gets awfully silent. I didn't even make it out the door before this heavy guilt hit me like a bus. I was ashamed and could only think : is that how God would want me to treat his people? What if I died and went to heaven right now and Jesus walked past me eyes forward saying nothing as though I didn't exist? How hurtful that would be.

I feel like I can't even pray about it because sin is never random. I contemplated how I would ignore this person prescence in spite of how wrong it would be. I just didn't realize how bad it would affect me and my relationship with God.

How can I restore my connection with God after what I've done?

 

[tourist]

Does anybody know what to do once you've messed up?

I'm newly baptized and have been devoting myself to live Christ like. I know I'm not perfect and will make mistakes but how do I get over the pain of making a mistake? How do I get over the feeling of letting God down?

For example, today I ran into someone from my past, an ex in fact. From my eye I can see him. He even goes on to say "Thats the girl I was once with". Now we didn't end on bad terms or anything so I don't know why I was so unfriendly but as I walked by him I said nothing, eyes forward and pretended as though he didn't exist. Immediately I see the reaction on his face from my peripheral vision and the table gets awfully silent. I didn't even make it out the door before this heavy guilt hit me like a bus. I was ashamed and could only think : is that how God would want me to treat his people? What if I died and went to heaven right now and Jesus walked past me eyes forward saying nothing as though I didn't exist? How hurtful that would be.

I feel like I can't even pray about it because sin is never random. I contemplated how I would ignore this person prescence in spite of how wrong it would be. I just didn't realize how bad it would affect me and my relationship with God.

How can I restore my connection with God after what I've done?

Tell God that you are sorry about how you reacted in that awkward circumstance. I believe that you are being too hard on yourself.

 

[MadParrotWoman]

Hey go easy on yourself! This is normal to begin with. It takes time to adapt to living the Christian life. That bad feeling you had immediately after was the Holy Spirit gently letting you know you had messed up and to do it better next time. We have all done stuff like this and on the odd occasion continue to do it but we will be gently prodded each time until we become more like Jesus - which is the end goal. It's a lifetime's walk not a 5 minute thing. Don't beat yourself up about it and NEVER feel you cannot pray about it - or anything else. Prayer is getting if off your chest and asking for God's help.

 

[Nathanaelisaac]

I agree with MadParrot

You mentioned that you are a new Christian. One, I want to welcome you to God's family. Also, there is no need to be so hard on yourself. There are a few truths and scriptures I'd like to share with you to help ease your conscience.

Romans 8:1- Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus

Romans is a very theologically heady book, but there are some sections in Romans that are very understandable and encouraging. Paul mentions this phrase "in Christ" and it represents what a Christian is quite well. When you became a Christian you were given the Holy Spirit which is the proof that you are "in Christ". To be "in Christ" means that you were given Jesus' righteousness and Jesus took your sin. This is significant because we as Christians cannot become more righteous than we are right now because Jesus gave us His righteousness. That is why there is no condemnation for those who are "in Christ" because your sins have been paid for past, present, and future by Jesus' death on the cross. He has already forgiven you of your present sins. This doesn't mean that we don't need to repent, but it does mean that we can have peace knowing that we are not condemned for them.

I encourage you to read the book of Ephesians. It is one of my favorites. The book is all about our identity. It is about how Jesus gives us a new self. It truly is an encouraging book.

If you still feel condemnation, that may be the enemy at work. Scripture says that Satan and demons never stop accusing God's people day and night, but don't be afraid because greater is He who is IN YOU than he who is in the world.

I hope that the Holy Spirit gives you peace and draws you to the truth that is written in scripture. Life isn't going to be easy as a Christian, and there will be more trials ahead that will push you but God will make it worth it. He will also give you peace and joy that will surpass all understanding.