Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
Luke 3:7-8
In the 1920s, an evangelist named W. P. Nicholson began holding a series of revival meetings in Belfast. The Irish city was one of the world’s greatest shipbuilding centers, employing thousands of men. Many of the shipyard workers were converted during those meetings, and the results were immediate and obvious. So many employees of Harland and Wolff returned tools they had previously stolen from the company that a special building was constructed to hold them. It became known as the Nicholson Shed.
True repentance produces visible fruit. We do not make things right in order to be saved, but when we recognize that we have sinned, genuine repentance should make us willing to correct what we can. Zacchaeus demonstrated this spirit when he told Jesus, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold” (Luke 19:8).
This willingness to make things right should not be limited to the time of our salvation. It should continue throughout the Christian life. When we realize that we have wronged someone, we should be quick to acknowledge it, seek forgiveness, and do what we can to correct the wrong. Living peaceably with others sometimes requires us to humble ourselves and take responsibility for our own actions.
Not every conflict or difficulty in our relationships is someone else’s fault. Sometimes we need to look honestly at our own words, attitudes, and actions. Rather than shifting blame, we should be willing to admit when we are wrong and do what lies within our power to make things right. “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18).
