Is saying “Sorry” the hardest word?
As human beings, it is inevitable that we will make mistakes and that unintentionally we will hurt others. So it follows that we should apologise when we err, and that we are forgiven our sins.
Yet, in this modern world of ours we hesitate before we admit our wrong-doings.
We see an apology as a sign of weakness. It would reveal a flaw in our character. Something to be held against us, which may well come to haunt us again in the future.
We feel threatened even, since, in this litigious society we have created, an admission of guilt could easily lead to claims of compensation.
So we go on the defensive. We deny wrong-doings. We refuse to apologise.
And “sorry” truly becomes the hardest word.
How lucky we are that God does not keep a record of our sins, and will never rush to Court for compensation when we hurt Him again and again.
Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, if my brother keeps sinning against me, how many times do I have to forgive him? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” answered Jesus, “but seventy times seven.” Matthew 18: 21-22
When someone tells me they are sorry, it is like my heart wipes the slate clean and I never think of the wrong again. It is so healing to both (or all) persons when there is contrition and admition of a wrong.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
You're so right Monica. Thank you for your encouragement.
DeleteGod bless.
So true.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
Thank you so much for your kind words Sinder.
DeleteGod bless.
It is hard! But when i admit I am not right...then sorry is not so hard to say. And you know i really hate being wrong...;0) Have a grand day! Cathy
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your wisdom Cathy.
ReplyDeleteMay God bless you and yours always.
'Sorry' can solve so many of our daily problems! If only we believed that and acted accordingly.
ReplyDeleteThanks for an enlightening post Victor : )
Blessings,
Doreen
It's so true Doreen. Yet, we often hesitate to say sorry.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Saying 'sorry' and meaning it, always makes my heart lighter
ReplyDeleteTrue. There's such a re-building once we're forgiven.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you Remedia.
This helps me understand why I don't get the "sorry" I am craving, and encourages me to forgive anyway.
ReplyDeleteToo true Sarah. We should forgive even if we're not asked.
ReplyDeleteMay God bless you always.
A person who expresses a sincere sorrow for having offended another often achieves great power in a relationship. Saying "sorry" truthfully is humbling and builds character. Following up the "sorry" with an amendment of our interaction with the person evokes trust and opens the door for a greater give and take - a much richer relationship in which both people can grow towards God.
ReplyDeleteAs for forgiving others, our pride makes that difficult, particularly when the person expresses no remorse. What we must never do is nurse the wrong in our hearts and imagination, but rather give it to Christ and use it as an occasion for our own repentance for our sins. And we also must not engage in rash judgment of the person but commend them to God. Pretty words here but a HUGE job that can take quite awhile depending on how full of ourselves we are.
Great post, Victor.
You're so right Barb. A huge job indeed. To say sorry and to truly forgive. Our human nature makes both of these so difficult to do.
ReplyDeleteLet us pray that the Good Lord forgives us our failings in this respect.
God bless.