The Secret to a Sincere Apology

Last updated on: May 11, 2018 at 9:36 am by Kelley Mathews

The Secret to a Sincere Apology 2018-05-11T09:36:29-05:00 Kelley Mathews

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

A true apology requires true humility. Saying “sorry” for something you did never feels good in the moment, as it brings one face-to-face with a failure of character. But repentance is necessary for reconciliation, which is the end goal on the other side of a conflict.

Parents start early teaching their children to apologize. Picture the stammering, red-faced toddler shuffling his feet, while Mom looks on, facing his playground friend. “I’m sorry.”

“For …?” Mom prods the child gently.

“For throwing rocks at you.”

“And I…” Again, Mom helps.

“And I won’t do it again! Will you forgive me?” the child rushes through the rest of his apology.

Ideally, his friend will say “Sure!” and they will run off together, reconciled and ready to play again. It’s not always that clean, of course. But reconciliation and peace can only start with an admission of guilt and a good-faith effort to make amends.

Sometimes, it seems, children apologize more forthrightly and sincerely than adults do. We tend to let pride and shame squelch the Holy Spirit’s tap on our shoulder, reminding us of Paul’s admonition to, “as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Rom 12:18). Recent examples among church leaders make my point.

Previous Post

May 8, 2018

Ask This Question to Determine Your Worth

Next Post

May 14, 2018 Five Strategies to Ruin Your Kids' Summer

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category adoption art bible Bible study books compassion creation culture dogs facebook faith family friendship funeral grieving justice leadership Mardi Gras marriage memorial mental illness milestones missions MOPS movies parenting politics race relationships social media technology Thanksgiving theology trusting God Uncategorized wedding women worship

Select a Month June 2021 April 2021 February 2021 January 2021 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 November 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 October 2013 September 2013 October 2012 August 2012 January 2012 October 2011 May 2011 February 2011 January 2011

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Which Christian group is known for door-to-door evangelism and "Watchtower" magazine?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Mennonites Lutherans Jehovah's Witnesses Methodists

Books by This Author Books by Kelley Mathews

See All Titles »