1 John 1:9-10 (NIV) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His word has no place in our lives.

When God says something is wrong, we have to be willing to agree with Him. When the Holy Spirit causes us to feel conviction, we have to admit that we have sinned, repent, and make things right. Beginning peacemakers can fail a lot at first.

Having to apologize to people every time we get into a conflict with them is really embarrassing. I have been embarrassed a lot. Having to apologize to people is a real pride crusher; which is a good thing.

You would think that all that embarrassment would cure hot heads like me, wouldn’t you? Nope.

While the apologizing and repenting brings me into a closer relationship with God, it does not make me a mature peacemaker. Only desiring it, studying the Bible about it, asking God for growth concerning it, believing for it, and yielding to the Holy Spirit with faith-action will make me more mature in that area. All that embarrassment will probably make me desire it more but won’t help with all the rest of the spiritual growth procedures.