JULY THEME – “Armed for Battle: Winning the War You Can’t See”
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
WHY CAN’T I ADMIT I’M WRONG AND WILLINGLY SAY I’M SORRY?
📖 “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” — Proverbs 28:13
For many of us, the hardest words to speak aren’t “I love you”… they’re “I was wrong.” Why? Because pride doesn’t like to be exposed. It clings to self-image, deflects responsibility, and carefully crafts excuses to avoid confession. And when pride takes over, humility is the first thing to go.
We live in a world that rewards appearances, applauds self-justification, and rarely encourages vulnerability. But the truth is—spiritual maturity is marked not by how often we’re right, but by how quickly we’re willing to admit when we’re wrong. Growth doesn’t come through pretending; it comes through repentance.
When we refuse to confess our faults—whether to God or to others—we unknowingly build walls around our hearts. We trade peace for pretense. We choose the illusion of strength over the healing that only humility can bring. And in doing so, we stunt our relationships, stall our spiritual walk, and miss the mercy God is waiting to pour out.
There’s no such thing as a perfect person. But there are people who walk in truth—who take responsibility, apologize without excuses, and make things right when they’ve caused harm. They know that saying “I’m sorry” doesn’t make them weak—it makes them wise. It says, “I value truth more than image. I value people more than pride.”
God never blesses the person who hides behind self-preservation. But He draws near to the one who humbles themselves, confesses their wrongs, and turns away from them. In fact, Scripture promises that mercy is waiting on the other side of confession. Mercy doesn’t come to the proud—it meets the penitent.
So ask yourself today: what are you carrying that you haven’t confessed? Who do you need to make things right with? Is being right really worth more than restoring peace, healing trust, or walking in obedience?
It’s time to release the fear of being seen as flawed—and embrace the freedom of being honest. Not just before others, but before God.
Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve let pride speak louder than truth. Search my heart and reveal anything I’ve tried to cover or excuse. Give me the courage to take responsibility—for my words, my actions, and my silence. Let humility rule my heart, and let my repentance lead to healing. I don’t want to be admired for false strength—I want to be transformed by real surrender. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Challenge: Is there someone you’ve wronged—intentionally or unintentionally—but never truly apologized to? Reach out. Speak with sincerity. Say, “I was wrong. I’m sorry.” Let mercy flow where pride once stood. If there’s something you’ve been hiding from God—confess it today. Don’t wait. The sooner you humble yourself, the sooner healing begins.
WEDNESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Sadie Almand – Home
Linda Mays – Piedmont Atlanta
Ann Stanley – Home
Kim McClain’s Mother
Andrea Nix– Friend of the Shellnutts
Doug Stephens
Jason Parker – James & Sarah’s Son – stroke
Mary Williams – Rehab
Scotty Nix
Stephanie Seivers – Friend of the Shellnutts
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Danny Jarrard
Darlene Wiggins
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gayle Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
James Burnette
James Garner
Jessica Headrick
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
June Davis
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim’s Sisters – Ann & Brenda
Lee Cronan
Lillianna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Lonzo Christian
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Mrs. Franklin
Nora Allison
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Theresa Bain’s Granddaughter
Tom Witcher