The dictionary defines the word apology as “a regretful acknowledgement of an offense or failure; an expression of regret.”
My life experience brings to mind often an apology is needed or would be helpful for the healing of an offense or misunderstanding—to include cleaning up ones own reputation. I don’t know if it is the time in which we live but it is an act that has two extremes.
1. We think we are OWED an apology and if we don’t get it, we live offended.
2. Through an act of something we did or an act of something we should have done and didn’t, or even a response to something we considered wrong or rude done to us…we still are responsible for our reactions… right? Well, what if an apology MIGHT help. Is it ever too late? No. The truth is there are times when we don’t pay attention to that voice in us that is suggesting we might need to go to someone and say “I am sorry….for______” (you fill the blank in) and if left unchecked over time, could turn into the very catalyst that causes someone to stumble. To those of us that claim Christianity, we know what our Lord would say about our stubborn prideful attitudes. Mature Christians at least intellectually know that not listening to a prompting of the Holy spirit or counsel of someone wise, can lead to a hard heart, and that goes no place good. Need I say more?
Our lives on this earth are very short. I know as a child, teenager and young adult I thought I was invincible, and though I knew people died, it was not something I EVER thought in connection to myself. Most of can say that. AND if you are now in the second half of your life, you like me, are stunned with how old you are and seriously wonder where life went. The very precious days in which we do have left should be treated as such and the facts are that not one of us are promised another day. We all got up this morning with plans and many people in this world will never go to bed tonight for they will be in the morgue. It would be good if we lived every day of our lives like it was our last. We’d love more, love better, be more forthright in keeping relationships right, we’d watch our actions, and reactions, as not to be the cause of someone else stumbling spiritually… we’d do things so different. We’d include others, we’d smile, we’d say things that are important to our hearts and to others; we’d forgive ourselves and forgive others…. we’d hold no record of wrongs done. We’d pray more and do battle in the spirit, for our loved ones that are lost. This doesn’t mean- we play dumb, or don’t deal with life as it is, but it means we keep ourselves on track and where we need to be. In the end we are all individually responsible for our decisions, but I want to remind you that Jesus said Matthew 7:12-14 that “In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets. Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.…”
Many, think they are Christians according to The Bible, but it is only head knowledge and not relationship and experience. They are not Christ followers. There’s a difference.
One more thing; Life is hard and many of us have went through very traumatic experiences. Many of us feel people have REALLY done us wrong, so much so that they are responsible for changing our lives forever. Depending on those who have done us wrong, if they are good people, its good to realize and deal honestly that there are always two sides to every story. Sometimes (Yes REALLY) people have to morally make very hard choices based on highly moral issues and they did their best in doing so. There is a time that you must let it go and give it to God and rejoin life with love and forgiveness. Otherwise unforgiveness, blame and hate will eat you alive and you will become the essence of all that you have harbored, and you will be become partners with evil in acts of unkindness, destruction and division. There is ALWAYS someone who had life worse than you… and they made the right choices to choose Gods way rather than then the way that is destroying. I pray for you, to choose God.
Matthew 5:39 and Luke 6:29 are two of many scriptures that speak of turning the other cheek….
Matthew 6:14 says “ forgive and you shall be forgiven…… “
Ephesians 4:2: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
1 Peter 4:8: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” John 15:12: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
Uniquely You 