We all mess up. We’re humans, and unfortunately, it’s what we do. Often we mess up in small ways, but sometimes, we make big mistakes that hurt ourselves– and others. Guilt and shame over misdeeds can haunt and our thoughts swirl with questions like, “Can I be forgiven? Is there hope for restoration? Did I mess up too badly this time?”

When these feelings surface, remember these Bible verses and quotes to help get your heart and mind back on track:

Bible Verses for When You’ve Messed Up

• If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
• This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. But for this very reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:15
• In him, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight. Ephesians 1:7-8
• For it is by grace you have been saved through faith; and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
• As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12

Quotes for When You’ve Messed Up

• No child of God sins to that degree as to make himself incapable of forgiveness. ~John Bunyan
• It’s Satan’s delight to tell me that once he’s got me, he will keep me. But at that moment I can go back to God. And I know that if I confess my sins, God is faithful and just to forgive me. ~Alan Redpath
• When we stray from His presence, He longs for you to come back. He weeps that you are missing out on His love, protection, and provision. He throws His arms open, runs toward you, gathers you up, and welcomes you home. ~Charles Stanley
• If you mess up, fess up. ~Anonymous
• A great many people want to bring their faith, their works, their good deeds to Him for salvation. Bring your sins, and He will bear them away into the wilderness of forgetfulness, and you will never see them again. ~Dwight L. Moody
• God can take what Satan meant for shame and use it for His glory. Just when we think we’ve messed up so badly that our lives are nothing but heaps of ashes, God pours His living water over us and mixes the ashes into clay. He then takes this clay and molds it into a vessel of beauty. After He fills us with His overflowing love, He can use us to pour His love into the hurting lives of others. ~Lysa TerKeurst