Lord, You Want Me to Apologize?

It was a few years ago when the Holy Spirit prompted me to apologize. Well, I was struck by this because I was not the one who caused the offense, or so I thought. I was waiting for them to apologize to me.

There was definite tension in the air but honestly, I cannot remember why. I noticed a friend was no longer interacting with me and was a bit standoffish. I concluded it was their problem; however, I was not at peace. So, during Sunday worship, before taking communion, I asked God to help me and to help the situation. He gently said, apologize. For a few minutes I tried to rationalize and debate with God, but He did not move. I relented!

During the offering, I simply grabbed their hand and said, “Hey my love, if I’ve done anything to wrong you, I am so sorry. Can you find it your heart to forgive me?” She answered, “of course and I love you!” And THAT WAS THAT. The uneasy feeling that I had was gone and was replaced by a nagging voice saying, “She played you”. So, I still did not have peace. I began to overpower the voice in my head with the word of God, “Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering;” (Matthew 5:23-24). After a few minutes of reciting, I felt better and was now able to really praise and worship God the way that He wants it done, in Spirit and Truth (John 4:24).

I am sharing this because I do not want anyone else to lose sleep or peace over something that they may have control over. In other words, God may be calling you, yes you, to humble yourself and apologize. Forgive and be the first to reconcile and restore, that is the biblical mandate—to be ministers of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:11-21). Who wants to apologize? No-one. Think about this, your apology could be the cure to your anxiety, sleep woes and uneasy feelings. The humble, low road is not always easy, but it is best; and empowered by the Holy Spirit, you are able to do it!

For God’s Glory,

Tahnee