Christian Life Coaching - It's About NOT Apologizing?

I'm sorry, rolls off the tongue so simply. One can say it without even thinking about it. Often it is done to get the situation over with. Sometimes, it is a way to make a token effort toward reconciliation. I apologize is never mentioned in the Scriptures. In fact, it should be avoided because it masksa real and true dialogue.

We have been habituated with the words, "I'm sorry." There are two things wrong with just saying sorry.

1. It is a humanistic, flawed counterfeit for the real thing. It is man's substitute for God's perfect way. 2. It allows the other person to give a deficient acknowledgement.

If we look deeper, God's prerequisite for alienated relationship is forgiveness. As long as the Christian can say the words, "I'm sorry" (or words to that effect) instead of "I sinned, please forgive me" they are able to discount the action. They have not completely confessed before the Lord and to the injured party. The deep healing and authentic solutions that could have occurred through forgiveness has been set aside. An apology is nothing more than an expression of your own feelings. To admit to the other person what you did that was a sin and ask to be forgiven is quite another matter.

The other side of the problem is that the one offended or hurt will have the typical response of "Oh, that's ok." Again because we are habituatedto anticipate that as the proper (read: Christian) thing to do. But when a person says, "Will you forgive me?" A whole new brand of interpersonal relationship is required. There has been a shift in responsibility. Both individuals are now expected to put the sin behind them.

This method of confession and forgiveness is an interaction that has requirements for both individuals. The confessor is admitting his offense and saying what the wrongs entailed. This includes repenting (a heart condition) and confession (an outward action). He is also asking for grace and mercy (forgiveness) from the one whom he has offended. But, an apology comes from anquish often about the consequences of the sin, not what it does to the injured party. To tell the other person that you have offended them and God, shows that you are take it very seriously.

Forgiveness carries with it a pardon for the sin. A statement like, "Awww, it's ok" or "Hey, don't worry about it" minimizes the wrong. A right biblical response would be "Yes, I understand and I forgive you." That kind of forgiveness grants the promise that the subject won't be brought up again. It won't be discussed with others, and it won't be allowed to stick in the forgivers mind. Forgiveness asks for a pledge and receives one. Forgiveness leads to removing the offense. It is a covenant toward a new and deeper relationship. An apology can't measure up to the Biblical model for rebuilding a relationship.

Article Source: http://publisherscloninghouse.com

Michael Young is an experienced Christian coach and author who has coached others to success in their life, business, and relationships. Would you like to see what Michael means by Christian life is Christian living? Click here Christian Life Coaching Life Coaching - Complimentary Session Click here Life Coaching Session

Please Rate this Article 5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5  Not yet Rated

Click this Icon to Receive Family Articles Via RSS!