what
do you typically say…
“I apologize” or “Will you forgive me?”
Since words have meanings, and we want to say what
we mean at all times, let us take a look at these two “sayings” and what they
mean…therefore what we are saying each time we use them.
Just looking at the two in the title gives you an
indication of the critical aspect of the two.
One is a declaration, the other is a question. One makes a statement to someone, the other
asks a question of someone.
Perhaps the most critical aspect of the two is
this: “apologize” (in any form) is NOT found anywhere in the Bible…wanting “forgiveness”
IS. In becoming a Christian, do we
declare to God that we are sorry for our sin(s), or do we confess that we have
sinned and want Him to forgive us our sin(s)?
How does someone “forgive” someone who has just
declared to them an “apology”? There can
be no forgiveness given to someone on the basis of just hearing them make a
declaration to me. THERE IS NO
RECONCILIATION WITHOUT ASKING FOR FORGIVENESS.
And with no reconciliation, there can be no
unity. This is what creates so much of
the disunity in churches and families today…when “church discipline” went out
the stained-glass windows back in the early 1900’s, one of the end results was
the beginning of “no discipline” in homes and the start of the breakup of
families.
Often we hear just a simple, “Sorry.” No “I am sorry.” There is no communication of personal
accountability, much less just an apology.
(there
is a lot more behind what is said than what most people recognize and realize)
We need to return to a time where “apologies” are
acceptable ONLY in such minor incidents where a “hurt” has not occurred…like, “I’m
sorry, I apologize for drinking the last Dr. Pepper that you had set aside in
the refrigerator to have with your lunch.”
Even then, many people would have formerly asked the other to forgive
them…
It should be UNACCEPTABLE to “accept” (permit)
someone giving an apology when a “real hurt” has occurred. UNITY (be of ONE ACCORD) is one of the most
critical teachings of God to His people in the New Testament…check it out!
Lee McDowell Christian Ministries
P.O. Box 633244 Nacogdoches, TX 75963 936-559-5696
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