Plain and simple - when you mess up, it is appropriate to confess to the offended party and try to make up for it (if possible):
5:5 Then the Lord said to Moses, 6 "Give the following instructions to the people of Israel: If any of the people—men or women—betray the Lord by doing wrong to another person, they are guilty. 7 They must confess their sin and make full restitution for what they have done, adding an additional 20 percent and returning it to the person who was wronged.
So, when I say or do something wrong with my wife, I dang-well better appologize and try to make up for it, not only because I've offended her, but because I've offended Yahweh. Ouch!
We talked about Samson this past Sunday in our Bible Life Group, and one of the topics we discussed was the voluntary vow of a Nazirite. In my opinion, the Nazirite way of life is similar to the sanctification process in the Christian's life. That is, the committed individual will voluntarily restrict themselves of "common" things to be set apart for God's use. That is why I am careful with what I consume orally, visually, and auditorily - I want to keep myself clean before Yahweh. That's another reason why it is so important to read the Scriptures each and every day! (Who knows, maybe I'll be a Nazirite and stop shaving my face and cutting my hair, too. I'm just kidding.)
Prayer
Heavenly Father, please forgive me for all the times I have betrayed you by doing wrong to another person. Lord, help me live a life that is pleasing to you by honoring each person as made in your image. God, I pray that I will live a life of devotion to you. Lord, please use me for your purpose, according to your plan. I pray that I will be a holy man of integrity marked with discipline, boldness, and humility. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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