I will praise and give thanks to You with uprightness of heart when I learn [by sanctified experiences] Your righteous judgments [Your decisions against and punishments for particular lines of thought and conduct]. I will keep Your statutes. Psalm 119:7–8

I believe people give their mistakes more power than they need. We should admit them, repent, and ask God to forgive us for them. We should also learn from our mistakes because by doing so, they can add value to our lives. Instead of allowing mistakes to make you feel guilty and bad, let them be your teacher, and always remember that just because you make a mistake does not mean you are a mistake. Just as God has promised in His Word (John 16:13), trust Him to lead you by His Holy Spirit into all truth.

Dave and I have four grown children, and I can assure you that over the years they have made many mistakes, but I love them just as much as if they had never made the mistakes. Some parents never allow their children to make any of their own decisions or mistakes. This is the biggest mistake of all. To grow we must step out and try things. We learn what works and what doesn’t. Learning from firsthand experience is a much better teacher than a textbook.

Lord, I’ve made my share of mistakes, but I refuse to let them rule over me. I take them as lessons that I am learning from, and I know You will lead me into all truth by Your Spirit. Amen.