Sorry, With Nothing Attached
“Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.”Matthew 5:23–24 (KJV)
Most of us know how to give a half apology. Sorry if you felt that way. Sorry, but you started it. It sounds like an apology, but it is really a defense with manners.
A real apology owns your part completely, whether it was most of the problem or only a small piece. And it asks plainly, will you forgive me, without waiting for the other person to apologize back.
Jesus put reconciliation ahead of worship. “Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.” James says, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.”
Is there someone at home you owe an apology with nothing attached? Healing often starts there.
Read it yourself
Read Matthew 5:21–26. What does Jesus tell us to do quickly?
Who do you need to ask for forgiveness, without expecting anything back?
Lord, give me the humility to own my part and ask for forgiveness freely. Heal what I’ve hurt. Amen.