The phrase “to err is human; to forgive, divine” suggests that making mistakes is just a natural part of being human. Here’s why that idea persists: there never was, nor will there ever be, a perfect human being who never makes mistakes; except for Jesus, the incarnate Son of God. Jesus asked the Pharisees, “Which of you can truthfully accuse Me of sin?” (Jn 8:46). None could – ever.
Whether we want to admit it or not, fallibility is inherent to human nature: Paul wrote “I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what’s wrong.” (Rom. 7:21); “In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.” (v. 25). So, it’s fixed: “No one’s righteous…No one does good, not a single one” (Rom. 3:10-12). Humans have limited knowledge, emotions, and biases – we make mistakes – in judgment, memory, speech, and actions.
God created us with freedom to choose – “free moral agents.” Adam and Eve chose to disobey God. We’re apt to do the same. So now, our learning involves ‘trial and error’ (“experience is the best teacher” after all). Much of how we learn and grow from infancy is through trying, failing, and adjusting. Mistakes are integral to this process. Hopefully, in time we acquire a tone of empathy and understanding as we recognize that everyone makes mistakes, thus encouraging humility and forgiveness as valuable traits to be exchanged among us.
“Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Rom. 7:24–25)
“You know that Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is no sin in Him.” (1 Jn 3:5)
“Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life (His Spirit) is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God.” (1 Jn. 3:9)
– John Driggers, Spiritual Advisor for Myers-Davis (5/26/2025, V7#21)
