The Hardest Word in the English Language to Pronounce
One of the hardest words for me to learn to pronounce was (and some might say still is) the word “wrong.” It’s even more difficult to enunciate when combined with the words “I” and “was.” I’ve met a few others in life (mostly men) who struggle with the same genetic malfunction of the tongue. We probably need to form a support group or find a way to get a medical diagnosis.
Of course this isn’t a medical issue, but a heart issue. Some of us think we are more right than others and struggle to admit when we aren’t completely accurate (notice I did not use the word). On a purely spiritual level we have all struggled to admit that we are wrong, meaning that we are, or were, in wrong standing with God. Every one of us, at one time or another, has been separated from God by our sin. Jesus came to die for our sin so that we might be “right” with God, through His righteousness.
One step in this process of getting right with God is repentance, which involves genuine sorrow for our sin, and also turning away from our sin. Proverbs 1:23 says, “If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my Spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.” This verse shows the direct connection between repentance and the work of the Spirit in your life. Repentance isn’t only for those who don’t yet know and follow Christ. The most seasoned Christian is called to live a life of repentance. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
If you want to walk daily in the fullness and joy and peace of knowing the Lord, and being guided by His Spirit and His Word, then take time every day to confess any sin in your life. This month we are memorizing The Lord’s Prayer, which will help each of us focus on repentance when it says “forgive us our debts” (or “sins” in Luke). Praying through this prayer will cause one to pause and reflect on any unconfessed sin that may have piled up over the recent past. Bring it to Christ, seek His forgiveness, turn from sin, and watch Him work in your life and in our church.
It is through our repentance and humility that God will open doors for the Gospel to spread all throughout the South End of Louisville in 2026!