Falling short

Have you ever been called out for being inconsistent? For treating people with two different standards? It’s a terrible feeling—like getting caught mid-step. Simon Peter knew that feeling too. Even after all he had learned—and all the grace he had received—he still had more to learn. That’s oddly comforting. Even Simon Peter, professional stumbler and chronic grace-receiver, still messed up. And he got the chance to grow from it.

Today we read how Paul confronts him—firmly, and in front of others. Why? Because Simon Peter had stopped eating with Gentiles out of fear of disapproval. This was the same Simon who had walked on water, preached at Pentecost, and seen the risen Christ. Still, he slipped into old habits: fear of backlash, desire for approval, pulling away from those who were different. His actions sent a message.

Paul didn’t mince words. He said Simon Peter’s behavior was “not in line with the truth of the gospel.” When fear shapes our choices—fear of being judged, excluded, or misunderstood—we stop trusting in the radical grace of Jesus. And Simon Peter knew better. He had already seen God welcome Gentiles through a powerful vision (Acts 10).

It reminds me of that moment in The Chosen, when Simon Peter hesitates to drink from Gaius’s flask. A small gesture—but revealing. Despite their partnership, something still held Simon Peter back. Jews didn’t mix with Gentiles. Not back then.

Maybe you’ve done the same. Maybe you’ve spoken of love and equality, but stayed quiet when it mattered. Or maybe you’ve felt ashamed of your own inconsistency—wondering if your trust is real when your actions falter. But Simon Peter’s failure didn’t disqualify him. Paul corrected him, not to shame him, but to realign him. Jesus does the same. He doesn’t cancel us when we fall short. He calls us back to trust.

What if your failure isn’t the end of your story—but the start of your next step in grace?