Encouragement

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Making Excuses
© 2009

by

Stephen A. Peterson


Generally, when a Christian is asked what the most difficult Christian act he or she may do, it is ultimately the act of forgiving someone of an offense. It is especially difficult when the person did not mean to do whatever act was done.

Army Specialist Ken Jorski had gone to his company supply room to obtain the use of a protective mask as well as a protective suit in order to participate in a chemical training class. A Sergeant E-5 was also in the supply room as well. He, likewise, obtained a protective mask and chemical suit as well. When given a box of mask filters and directed to change them to make the protective mask serviceable, the Sergeant asked the Armorer, a Private E-3, what the filters were and where the filters went on the mask. Specialist Jorski could not believe a Sergeant did not know what and where a protective mask filter was supposed to be and where it went.

“They’re filters for a protective mask, Sarge,” Specialist Jorski said with one of those smirks, snickers and wide mouth smiles that suggested “Man, how dumb can you be.” Immediately, Specialist Jorski regretted his response, and even more so when the Sergeant responded with an angry return statement.

“I’ve never seen one of these types of protective masks,” he explained. “The last protective mask I’ve seen before this one was in basic training almost six years ago. I’m in medical service and I just don’t get an opportunity to hand protective masks or filters. What bothered me about you just now, Specialist, were you laughing at my lack of familiarity with the mask. I wouldn’t have laughed at you if you didn’t recall how to use a tourniquet. I would have helped you refresh your memory, not ridicule.”

The first thing that came to Specialist Jorski’s mind was an excuse; That he didn’t mean to disrespect the Sergeant. He just wasn’t thinking. Then he realized that he was not being honest with himself. What he meant to say didn’t matter. The fact was that he belittled someone, and that was wrong.

As Specialist Jorski completed the inspection of his protective mask and chemical suit, he asked the Sergeant to forgive him.

“It’s okay, Specialist,” the Sergeant said. “It’s not all that important.”

“Yes, it is,” Specialist Jorski said. “You’re important and I’m sorry I made fun of you. I need your forgiveness.” Specialist Jorski prayed the Sergeant would understand how much he meant what he had said.

The Sergeant did seem to understand. With a smile, the Sergeant shook Specialist Jorski’s hand then said, “I forgive you Specialist.

For the most part people when they think about sins think in terms of the thoughtful, large ones. But it is the little sins that are most likely to slip by unnoticed. These sins can hurt just the same. Making excuses do not change what was done. Seeking forgiveness can change the sinner—for the better.

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