Apology in Five Languages

 

Donald Moore was our teacher at the Bible Study Sunday Morning at Open Door Church.  I took notes and also used his hand out from Pastor Gary D Chapman.  I present an edited message for you here.

Life is relationships with God and with people.  Sin separates us from God and daily living can separate relationships.

Romans 3:23 reminds us that we all fall short and with that in mind, at some point we must apologize or suffer the consequences of not apologizing.

Just saying, “I am sorry,” is not good enough.  We must attach the why I am sorry to the apology.

1.     Expressing regret:  It is important to be sincere.  Psalms 52:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart - -

The Prodigal Son showed regret although he did not apologize. 

Luke 15:21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

2.     Accepting Responsibility:  “I was wrong.”  This type of apology is usually proceeded by hiding and hoping it will go away.  Adam and Eve hid and covered their nakedness.

Closure is needed and an apology will bring Finality.  We all make mistakes, but don’t linger to make things right.  God is always quick to forgive when we confess.  First John 1:9  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

It is time to own up and not delay our confession.

3.     Making restitution or at least offering to make restitution.  Luke 19:8  And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.

Perhaps it would be good to let the Lord determine how this is done.

4.     Genuine repentance expresses a desire to change and stop unwise behavior.

Acts 2:38  Repent and be saved and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

II Corinthians 7:10  For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation,

It is difficult to continue a relationship once trust has been broken and a person has been betrayed.  Trust must be earned and true repentance made before fellowship can be restored.

Thankfully God does not follow this man made rule, but He is longsuffering and ready to restore broken fellowship when the person approaches Him with sincerity and a broken and contrite heart and is ready to follow Jesus

5.     Requesting forgiveness is necessary – not just apologizing. 

 One way of doing this is to let the person know that you value their friendship.  “I value our friendship”  “I appreciate you.”

A Poll was taken and 10% of the people polled never apologize.  Here are three suggestions for those people:

1.  Most sincere apologies will be accepted.

2. Verbalize so that it speaks to the heart.

3.  Recognition is just as important as application.   Be kind:  Confess and forsake, and perhaps offer a gift, to the person as you speak to them in love.

 

I am sorry I ate the Last Biscuit - Please forgive Me.