An Apology That Works

Jul 8, 2023

‘If you have sinned, you should tell each other what you have done. Then you can pray for one another and be healed.’James 5:16 CEV

A genuine apology can help heal and restore a strained or broken relationship. But as Dr Gary Chapman tells us, it doesn’t end there. Notice these:

(1) Saying ‘I’m sorry’ isn’t enough! It’s a good and necessary start, but it’s not a good finish. For example, ‘I’m sorry you took it that way’ isn’t an apology; it’s a covert [sneaky] attack! You need to specifically confess what you’re remorseful [sorry] about. ‘I’m so sorry that what I said insulted you’ acknowledges what you did and affirms the wounded person.

(2) Take full responsibility for your behaviour. Without that, there is no healing or reconciliation. ‘I was wrong to speak to you like that’ is honest, humble, concrete, and responsible. It helps the injured party see your apology as genuine. Genuineness diminishes [reduces] anger and encourages others to trust and accept your words.

(3) Offer to make amends where possible. Ask, ‘Is there anything I can do to make things better?’ Putting yourself on the line to do everything you can do makes your apology heartfelt and sincere. James puts it like this: ‘Tell each other what you have done. Then you can pray for one another and be healed.’

(4) Ask for forgiveness—don’t take it for granted. ‘Will you please forgive me for what I did?’ You need to say it and the other person needs to hear it before healing and restoration can start. When you ask for forgiveness and it’s been granted, you have ‘signed on the dotted line’ together. You’re recording your mutual commitment to move beyond the hurt and work towards a healthier relationship.

SoulFood: Jer 33:1–36:26, Matt 24:36–51, Ps 122, Pro 15:10–14
The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright © 2023

The Word for Today archives

SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031    
       
   1234
262728    
       
  12345
2728     
       
28      
       
      1