Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. James 5:16

 

When was the last time you said “I’m sorry, please forgive me?  A common lesson in childhood is being taught to apologize. Acknowledging wrongs and promising to try to do better is at the heart of learning, growing, and reconciling with others. But many of us stop apologizing as soon as there’s no one forcing us to do it!

Maria’s son, Joshua hasn’t spoken to her in 14 years. A psychologist who works predominantly with parents and children with broken relationships says this about apologies: “Making amends, showing empathy, and taking responsibility are acts of humility, not humiliation. It’s a position of strength, not weakness. It’s the ability to say, “Well, maybe you’re right. Maybe I missed something really important about you, either in how I raised you or how I communicate with you. Let’s look at that together and figure it out.”‘[1]

Hurts, disagreements, and struggle are a guaranteed part of human relationships. But there’s one simple attribute that turns all this imperfection into opportunities for growth and that’s teachability! When we are humble enough to listen to others, learn from our mistakes, and apologize for our part in hurting others, we can move beyond that weakness. Our goal for ourselves and for the children in our lives isn’t perfection– we know that’s impossible. Instead, our goal becomes resilient humility– becoming people strong enough to learn, apologize, and grow in love!

The Bible book of James says, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed” (James 5:16). Do you know how to apologize to the people in your life?

[1] Coleman, Joshua. “Why Should I Have to Apologize to My Estranged Adult Child?” Psychology Today, 19 Apr. 2020, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-rules-estrangement/202004/why-should-i-have-apologize-my-estranged-adult-child.