Editorial October 1, 1990 Issue

Correcting mistakes

Elaine Natale

Bad events can sometimes seem cast in concrete, the effects indelible, irreversible. (The attitude may develop: "What's happened has happened—period.") Yet Christianity offers the person who is following Christ the promise of correction and redemption for problems that the world generally considers beyond hope.

Christ Jesus didn't sweep away what was wrong with mere sweet, naive platitudes or point-blank, unrealistic denials of evil. He showed that God rules through an undeviating law of Truth that can never be set aside or go forever unfulfilled in our lives. Jesus didn't say that healing and regeneration could work for some people and not for others. As we look at the New Testament accounts of Jesus' healing ministry, we can see that the prime factor is the individual's willingness to turn to God, who is eternal, unchanging Truth, and to trust Truth above all else.

To start, we have to admit, of course, that a mistake is a mistake. Sometimes people know they're making a mistake when they do something wrong. Other times, awareness comes later. A mistake can't be corrected until it's realized, though. Christianity emphasizes looking squarely at mistakes and redressing wrongs. And the process may involve deep sorrow and anguish. It may also make someone humble enough to know that he needs God's help.

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