Popular Poem Categories:
Occasion & Holiday Poems:
When I Am Wrong
A thoughtful prayer poem by Strickland Gillilan about admitting our mistakes, asking forgiveness, and treating others with understanding.
We all make mistakes. There are times when we say something we regret, make a poor decision, or hurt someone without meaning to. It takes courage to admit we were wrong, but acknowledging our mistakes is an important part of growing into better people.
It can be difficult enough to admit a mistake without having someone remind us of it again and again. We should be willing to take responsibility for what we have done, but we should also remember to offer others the forgiveness and understanding we hope to receive ourselves.
In When I Am Wrong, Strickland Gillilan offers a prayer that is both honest and relatable. His words remind us to own our faults, protect others from unfair blame, and resist the temptation to keep bringing up another person's past mistakes.
Updated October 13, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
When I Am Wrong
Poet: Strickland Gillilan
When I am wrong, Lord, courage me to own it;
To say, "Forgive me for the wrong I did."
Drive out the wild desire to condone it
And keep the grievous fault within me hid.
Yet while I honestly admit my sin,
Keep off the friend who likes to rub it in!
When I have erred, Lord, teach me to admit it;
To clear all others of suspicion's taint;
To own and bear the punishment to fit it
The wrong in me, nor feel the least restraint.
Yet while I'd bear the pains my sinnings win,
Keep from my clutches him who'd rub it in!
Lord, all my rank transgressions I would own;
All my profuse shortcomings I'd admit;
I'd shout them out in any sort of tone
To keep some innocent from being "it."
But here my rebel promptings would begin
I cannot love the folks who'd rub it in!
Key Reflections In This Poem
- Admit when you are wrong.
It takes courage to acknowledge a mistake instead of making excuses. Being honest about our actions is the first step toward making things right.
- Take responsibility.
The poet asks for the strength to accept the consequences of his actions. We show character when we own our mistakes rather than allow someone else to be blamed.
- Do not keep bringing up past mistakes.
Once someone has admitted a wrong and tried to make amends, repeated reminders can cause more hurt. We can encourage change by showing understanding rather than holding the past over someone's head.
- Offer the grace you hope to receive.
None of us is perfect, and we all need forgiveness at times. Remembering our own shortcomings can help us treat others with greater patience and kindness.
Popular Pages
If this poem speaks to you, these pages offer more encouragement about prayer, forgiveness, and learning from our mistakes.
Find words of faith and hope in our Christian Poems collection.
Read Short Prayers for simple words to turn to God in everyday moments.
Discover more meaningful verses in our collection of Famous Poems.
Let Prayer For Today encourage you to face the day with faith and a willing heart.
Begin your week with our Monday Prayer and a reminder to seek God's guidance.
Find practical reminders in our Mistakes Quotes about taking responsibility and moving forward.
Conclusion
Admitting we are wrong is not always easy, but it is something we all need to learn. When we acknowledge our mistakes and do what we can to make things right, we show honesty and a willingness to change.
Strickland Gillilan's poem also reminds us to be careful about how we treat someone who has made a mistake. We can hold people responsible without reminding them of their failures at every opportunity. May this prayer encourage us to ask forgiveness when we need it and to show compassion when others need it from us.
More Strickland Gillilan Poems To Inspire