The Bible says that God gives grace to the humble. Sometimes, being humble means saying “I am sorry” first.
Think about it. Don’t you find it relatively easy to apologize if the other person says, “I am sorry,” first? Saying it first is sometimes hard to swallow.
You would never claim perfection in marriage. You just believe your spouse was more wrong; he or she ought to say “I am sorry first.” Maybe you clattered your bowl into the kitchen sink and shut the door with a grumpy bang on your way to work this morning and left the milk out for good measure. What silly games we play.
Remember Proverbs 3:34 says, “God mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.” Let your pride go. God mocks mighty mockers, but blesses the broken.
Do you want a special measure of God’s grace? Here is what you do. Flip open your phone and pound speed dial. Follow this script, “I am sorry, I was wrong, will you please forgive me.” Do not, I repeat, “do not,” find yourself continuing after the apology with a criticism of the other person.
You may or may not get a corresponding apology in response. But, you can be assured of the grace of God at work in your life. God blesses the broken.
Why not take the forgiveness quiz?
So good, Chris, and so very true. “Unpacking Forgiveness” is my go-to reference book in conversation with others, as well as in my own life and desire to walk through each day free of chain of unforgiveness.
Patricia, thanks so much.