I messed up... how I use this to grow in humility?

[RCIAGraduate]

Recently I made a huge mistake. Rather than using it as a reason for despair, how can I use this as a opportunity to grow in meekness and humility but not self-loathing?

 

[Spritus1]

Hi. You might like to look into St Faustina and Divine Mercy. Once you have made a good confession, go to Mass, receive the Lord in the Eucharist and accept that God **has **forgiven you.

The fact that you can accept that you have “messed up” is an excellent first step in terms of humility as there are some people who never accept or admit that they can in fact “mess up”; they are always right.

The Lord knows our weaknesses. He understands. What is important is that when we fall, we get straight back up and carry on. We all fall from time to time; it comes with being human and therefore imperfect.

God’s Mercy and His desire to forgive us (if only we would ask) is unfathomable. He wants to forgive us more than we want to be forgiven.

Accept that God has forgiven you. Then forgive yourself. That is true humility; accepting the totally unmerited free gift of God.

 

[frangiuliano115]

Recently I made a huge mistake. Rather than using it as a reason for despair, how can I use this as a opportunity to grow in meekness and humility but not self-loathing?

I hope you’ve read through the gospels.

Judas betrayed Jesus.
So did Peter.

Judas hung himself.
Peter went on to be the first Pope.

What was the difference?

Judas made a mistake. He couldn’t accept Jesus’ love or Jesus’ forgiveness, which He certainly would have given if asked. He couldn’t trust Jesus, so Judas became desperate and in despair hung himself - cutting himself from God.

Peter made a mistake. He denied he even knew Jesus. Three times. He denied Jesus in his heart. But he was sorry, he repented. He accepted Jesus’ love and forgiveness because he trusted Him.

Reread the washing of the feet. It’s about serving others - but it’s very much about being able to receive the love Jesus wanted to give the apostles. Peter didn’t want his feet to be washed. It’s not easy having someone wash your feet. You have to accept their help, their love. In the end, he accepted.

Also read the parable of the Prodigal Son many times. You’ll always find something new in each reading - it’s a great story.

Here’s how not to be self-loathing:

Be Peter.

Fran

 

[GLam8833]

Own up to the sin, your falling short of
God’s glory, “thru my fault, thru my fault,
thru my most grievous fault!!”

 

[robertmidwest]

Recently I made a huge mistake. Rather than using it as a reason for despair, how can I use this as a opportunity to grow in meekness and humility but not self-loathing?

Sounds like you are on the right track already. Taking ownership of your mistake and attitude.

Did you have a sponsor in RCIA? Or the pastor who worked with your class? Can you confide in them or ask for guidance?

 

[RCIAGraduate]

I am happy to report that I have the access and support from my college Newman Center,a nearby Parish and a certain particular forum somewhere in the internet.

Like what Fran said, it’s a matter of reaching out and accepting the help out there.

Thank you for your responses and have a wonderful weekend.

 

[Billy112]

Even the movement towards contrition and the acceptance that you’ve done something you’re not supposed to is a gift from God. He still loves you and will forgive you (or He has, I am not sure of your situation). Christ even forgave and prayed for mercy for the people that crucified Him. I will agree with the other poster in that St. Faustina’s Diary is a good read for any Catholic, especially for this situation. I will pray for you.

 

[phil_at_dayboro]

G’day

Every day is like building a Brick wall,every day you place down one brick,
After a decade or two,you step back and take a look at this wall,
Have a self analysis , you’ll see some really good work with some shoddy work in this brick wall,look at the bad bit, and learn from it,you can’t go back and redo that bit of the wall.
By self analysis, you learn,find ways that keep your mind on your job ( Living in Faith )

 

[Mummsie]

I have used my “mess ups” to remind me we are all sinners. Before it was always easy to say “I didn’t sin too bad, or others are worse.” It’s much easier to look at others without judging now.

God Bless You.

 

[frangiuliano115]

I have used my “mess ups” to remind me we are all sinners. Before it was always easy to say “I didn’t sin too bad, or others are worse.” It’s much easier to look at others without judging now.

Nice!

I like people who say they never sin. They must not know God too well.

The closer you get to God, the more you realize what sinners we are. Jesus said to be perfect like the Father in heaven is perfect. Impossible, of course, but quite a comparison guide, isn’t it?!

The very fact that the O.P. knows he’s made a mistake is proof that he’s close to God.
Knowing you’re close to God is also your guarantee that He loves and forgives you no matter what.

Good not to judge others - let’s not be too hard on ourselves either!

Fran

 

[littlestsouls2]

Acknowledge that without God you cannot bridge the infinite gap between you and Him. Trust in His pure love and, like an infant, let Him carry you in His Arms. God’s greatest delight is in showing mercy. Let His mercy transform you.

“The more evil the state to which the soul is reduced by the sins of the past, by her disorders and passions, so much the more pleased is Love to have so much to accomplish in her.”

• Jesus to Sr. Benigna Consolata (taken from the ‘Decalogue of Mercy’)