Do you sometimes catch yourself saying, "I should have acted differently!" or "I should have spoken up!" Often, we lack the courage to do what's right: we deliberately avoid the topic of faith to prevent embarrassment; we agree to participate in something inappropriate to avoid "standing out from the group." You can probably add more examples from your daily life. It seems as though others' opinions are more important to us than whether we've been true to God and our own convictions.
When Lord Jesus is arrested and brought before the high priest, Apostle Peter is outside sitting around a fire with strangers. Clearly, he is concerned about his Master's fate and wants to be nearby. However, a woman recognizes him and says, "This man was also with him" (Luke 22:56*). At this moment, all eyes turn to him, and the apostle, who had just firmly declared, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!" (Luke 22:33*), responds with fear and cowardice. He begins to lie: "I do not know him" (Luke 22:57*). In the Gospel of Mark, it even says that he swears, saying, "I don't know this man you're talking about" (Mark 14:71*). When the rooster crows and Lord Jesus looks at His disciple, Apostle Peter is crushed: he goes outside and weeps bitterly. Certainly, Christ did not look at him with reproach or accusation. His gaze likely contained pain, and also love.
Do you torment yourself because the last time you were asked about your faith, you remained silent or denied it? Are you troubled because you did not help someone in need or did not show love when you had the opportunity? Are you guilty of not standing up for your principles?
Stop doing that. The Lord loves you and forgives you. He knows your weaknesses. But next time, pray for the courage to do what is necessary. Regardless of what anyone might think.
*The biblical citations are from the Bible, New Translation from the Original Languages © Bulgarian Bible Society 2013