And immediately a rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had made the remark to him, “Before a rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And he hurried on and began to weep.
After we have done something wrong, one of the last things we want to hear is, “I told you so.” It is a painful reminder of our failure and a frustrating reality to feel like we should have known better. What Peter experienced was not an “I told you so” moment from Jesus but rather an inner conviction and reminder of Jesus’s words. These words came to mind not to shame Peter and humiliate him but convict him for his sin. When Peter was confronted with his sin, instead of denying it once more, he grieved.
Nobody likes being wrong, and we often avoid admitting when we are wrong. It is easier to deny the truth than realize our actions do not reflect our Lord. But conviction and confession are crucial in following Jesus. First John 1:8-10 says, “If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.” Confession often feels like it will ruin us because it tears down the good image we try and maintain, but it is in embracing the conviction of our sin and processing it before our heavenly Father that we move toward true healing.
- When was the last time you realized you were wrong? How did you respond?
- What is the hardest part about admitting that you are wrong? Why is conviction and confession important in our faith?
- Pray and confess your sin to God and thank Him for His grace.
