Make a sincere apology.
| posted 1/30/2009
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Theoretically, you learned to say "I'm sorry" in kindergarten, but those word's may not come easy to an adult.
Before you apologize, it helps to go before God, as the psalmist did, and ponder your mistake. Yes, I blew it, but why? Was I jealous? Was I afraid? Was I angry? In the safely of God' presence, you can admit your true but often repulsive motives. You then can ask for forgiveness and the strength to admit these faults to the person you hurt.
What makes a difference in an apology is a sincere desire to mend the situation. If you only want to get yourself out of a sticky situation without owning up to what you've done, it won't work. The psalmist wanted to be washed clean, so he freely admitted his sin and guild (51:2-7). Because he wanted to improve the situation, he asked specifically for pure thoughts and a faithful heart (51:10). The person you've hurt needs to hear from you how you plan to make amends. You're not only looking for pardon, but for restoration.
But what if you think the person you hurt is carrying this too far, so you don't feel truly sorry? Once again, it becomes a matter between God and you. If you are truly sorry you've sinned against God, you then can ask Him to give you a desire to seek forgiveness and reconciliation with the other person. (See also Luke 19:1-10; Luke 22:54-62.)
Good Words to Remember:
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your loving kindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Psalm 51:1
Today's Challenge:
When's the last time you said "I'm sorry"?
Copyright 2001 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.
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