Prepare and Prevent 

Prepare and prevent  

 Repair and repent

That is a good bit of advice. Better to think ahead to the consequences and do the right thing at the start, rather than having to work on damage control and ask for forgiveness.

The Bible is clear on that subject as well.

"To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice." Proverbs 21:3

"Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams." 1 Samuel 15:22

Saying "I'm sorry" is good, but better yet is doing the right thing at the beginning so that we have nothing to apologize for.

How thankful we are though, that God has given us a "Plan B" so that we can repair and repent.

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

What does it take to repair what we did wrong? How long does it take to regain people's trust? How do we make restitution? We realize too late the terrible grief that we cause others and the lasting consequences that we bring on ourselves when we do wrong.

What does it mean to repent? Repentance is more than saying, "I'm sorry." It is saying, "I'm through."

"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you-even Jesus." Acts 3:19-20

The Apostle Paul said, "I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds." Acts 26:20b. Repent and turn to God.

God forgives, but we carry the consequences of our actions with us for a long time, perhaps forever.

Choosing Prevention,