Have you ever played “pass the buck”? For a number of years I was an assistant principal. Assistant principals usually handle the school discipline. Most days, I listened to students passing blame for their actions to someone else. I heard, “I didn’t do it,” “She started it first,” “It wasn’t my fault,” and “He did it too.” Students and adults alike have a hard time accepting responsibility for their mistakes.

Once in a while that rare student would walk through my door and openly admit, “I did it.” I always admired these students. I found our relationship deepened, rather than fractured. They became the students I trusted and respected. I would often recommend them for leadership roles and special opportunities.

All of us make mistakes and do things that are wrong. By openly admitting our failures and confessing them to God, the result is a deepening relationship rather than a fractured one. Confession truly is good for the soul.

By Annell George-McLawhorn from D365