A Right Way to Be Wrong

A Right Way To Be Wrong

"So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. "

Matthew 5:23-24

A lot of us have been hurt deeply by someone. Maybe a guy suddenly walked out of your life, a friend betrayed your trust, or a conflict left you wounded by hurtful words. After all was said and done you may have never received an apology. Instead you were left picking up the pieces and wondering if they even cared or had remorse for hurting you. We all can freely admit to being victims of wrong-doing, but what happens when we have wronged and hurt another and need to right a wrong with an apology? An apology can go a long way in the healing and forgiving process, but giving an apology can be a difficult thing to do.

So why is it so hard for people to apologize for the mistakes or wrong doings that they have committed? The simple answer to this question is pride! People will make all kinds of excuses for why they have not and will not apologize. I'm sure you have heard justifications for not apologizing similar to the following: "They didn't apologize, so why should I have to?" or "I was right, so why do I need to apologize?" The source of responses like these is a puffed up attitude, which only leads to more discord and damage. Proverbs 16:18 tells us "Pride goes before destruction." Due to the presence of unhealthy pride and the absence of humility, families have been torn apart, relationships have been broken broken, and friendships.

When people aren't willing to apologize, resentment and anger begins to set in and the opportunity for reconciliation fades further and further away. There have been times in which I wrestled with giving an apology to my friends, family, and fiancé because of my pride. I mean I wrestled with that thing! I felt apologizing and giving in to the fact that I did something wrong made me weak and vulnerable. I have found that many people are too proud to give an apology because they feel it is a sign of weakness and don't want to appear to give in or hand over power to another. But truthfully refusing to apologize is the real sign of weakness because it is acted out in fear. Some people have a fear of admitting to error, believing that it will leave them being perceived as a bad person. The person who can admit their fault, apologize and ask for forgiveness acts out of courage.

My experience in the area of pride has brought me a wealth of wisdom and I thank God for it. When I find myself struggling with giving an apology or effectively handling conflict I am reminded that the other person is always bigger than the problem.

Because we are imperfect,