There comes a time that we need to right the wrongs we’ve committed against others. [Tweet that]

I was a baby Christian when this time came for me. Jesus whispered the words “it’s time to forgive,” and I began to search my soul.

Anthony––the man who murdered my dad––was the obvious one that needed my attention, but there were others I needed to forgive as well.

My unforgiving heart ran deep.

There was the girl I hated in high school.

There was the man who witnessed for the defense in my dad’s murder trial yet had once called my dad friend.

There was my dad’s ex-wife.

And there were even some family members.

Apparently, this German-Irish girl knew how to hold onto grudges. But it was time to let them go. [Tweet that]

As I did, I was given perspective, and I began to see how my behavior contributed to the issues within these broken relationships. I was far from innocent. And in some cases, God allowed me to see that I was, in fact, the antagonist.

So I asked for forgiveness––both from God and from the people I once resented but now forgave.

I took some to lunch.

I wrote some letters.

I talked to some on the phone.

And I sent others private messages on Facebook.

Yet in all cases, the message was the same.

I screwed up. I wronged you. Will you please forgive me?

They seemed surprised to hear from me. I guess it isn’t everyday you hear from your adversary. But most embraced my attempt to reach out and right my wrongdoing.

So, what about you?

We all have hurt others at one point or another. And you may have already taken care of your past. You may have already buried your hatchet, so to speak, but I’d like to ask you to pray. Ask God to show you whether or not you need to reach out to those you’ve hurt along the way. [Tweet that]

I know I’ve already already done that, but we’re all prone to folly. And we’re all blind to our own blindness, so I will be joining you in this prayer.

And if we feel a nudge from God, let’s commit to doing whatever we’re led to do to reconcile our relationships. [Tweet that]

There’s nothing like being at peace with others. And what a testament to our faith in Jesus. This is one way we can intentionally be different. It’s one way we can shine our light to this world, for only a true disciple of Jesus can humble themselves before those they’ve hurt and ask for forgiveness.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary,“if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. – Romans 12:14-21

{Let’s right our wrongs.} [Tweet that]

Question: Is it time to right your wrongs? Have you ever contacted those you’ve wronged in your past to ask for forgiveness? What was your experience? Share in the comments.