5:147 – Is Apologizing a strength or a weakness?

#faithbites #faithjourney apologizing

Intro

I was watching a show the other day that had one character telling another to never apologize. The character said that apologizing is a weakness and you have to show strength at all times. I find myself apologizing often for mistakes I make. For me, if I make a mistake, then I need to apologize for it, or I feel guilty. God always tells us that we get forgiveness when we ask for it. When we admit our failures, he forgives us all our sins. If it’s weakness, then why would God want us to be weak?

Questions

• Do you apologize when you are wrong? If so, what does it look like?
• How do you feel people when someone apologizes to you? Are they weak to you?

Scripture

• James 5:16 – Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
• Luke 17:3-4 – Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”
• Hebrews 8:12-13 – For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.

Reflection

Forgiveness and atonement are huge parts of the Christian story. From the beginning through the end God has told us to atone and be forgiven. We should emulate Jesus in his forgiveness of our sins as we forgive one another. Nowhere does God say that apologizing is weak. We need to apologize sincerely if it’s a small mistake or a large mistake.

As we close, remember, that apologizing is not a weakness, it’s a strength. It shows respect for the person and following our faith.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for the example of forgiveness. We apologize for our mistakes and know that you will wash us clean. We humbly ask that you help us realize apologizing is a form of strength. It builds bonds and connects us to one another. Help us to apologize when we are wrong, accept apologies when others are wrong, and know that these are sincere asks for forgiveness. We pray this in your name, Amen.