“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” (I Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT)
This statement will not surprise you, although it is a confession that leads to a lesson. Sometimes, not always, on Monday mornings after preaching on Sunday, just like other preachers, my shield of irritability is more vulnerable. I’m just being honest. Last Monday is a perfect example. Here’s what happened. We make an early morning call to wish our best daughter, “Happy Birthday.” We get the voicemail message, so we leave our message, sing our “And many more” song, and then I say, “You are probably already working hard or getting the kids ready to do their schooling.” My wife reminds me, “They are not going to school. They are doing online classes.” It was spoken in a kind way, but nevertheless my shield of irritability dropped to the floor and I said, “I know that! I didn’t say they were going to school.” My spouse sensed my shield was not working and not knowing when it would become operable again, she says, “I’m not saying anything else to you today.” In fact she did converse through the day, but both of us knew there was tension in the air. (Who are we kidding when we say “in the air?) However, either pride or the persuasion of the enemy, yes the devil, he would not let me say, “I’m sorry!” The day could have been much better if only I came to grips with the fact that I needed to say that I was sorry. I saw a sign once that said, “Apologizing does not mean you are wrong and the other person is right. It means you value your relationship more than your ego.” Another sign said, “Arguments drag out because one is too stubborn to forgive and the other is too proud to apologize.” Now to our credit, we did not argue, but it was a long, quiet Monday for sure. I should have quickly said that I was sorry.
What I’m trying to tell you is that love is saying you are sorry. It is not like the famous line in the old “Love Story” movie that says, “Love is never having to say you’re sorry.” No as God’s children we need to put pride aside and say it quickly, “I’m sorry!” Your day will be better! Your relationship will not be beleaguered! Your Christian witness will not be besieged and temporarily rendered “Out of Order!” Therefore, when you know you have interfered with the joy of a relationship, whether intentional or intentional, go ahead and offer an apology. Remember, “Love is saying you are sorry!” Let love reign! Be blessed!
“Pursue peace with all men, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord, watching diligently so that no one falls short of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness spring up to cause trouble, and many become defiled by it.” (Hebrews 12:14-15 MEV)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King
So good! Great for every relationship!