Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word

“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV)

Elton John is quoted as saying, “Sorry seems to be the hardest word.” Do you find it hard to say, “I’m Sorry?” To stand up and take the blame when you’re wrong? Probably we all do from time to time.

It takes a strong person to admit his guilt and take the blame. It is so easy to dig our heels in and refuse to make peace or offer reconciliation to those we have wronged; to resolve differences and to pull down the walls and begin to build bridges! In short, to become peacemakers—those who pour oil on troubled waters and who reconcile those who are at odds with each other.

Paul writing to the Ephesians speaks of two parties in bitter conflict—Jews and Gentiles—being reconciled to each other and to God through the cross.  Read in Ephesians 2:16-17, “…that he might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. And he came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near.” Paul also informs the Colossians, “For it pleased the Father that in him [Jesus], all the fullness should dwell, and by him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of his cross” (Colossians 1:19-20).

The God of peace (Hebrews 13:20) has already made that peace through the death of his beloved Son and so all we have to do is implement that beautiful and gentle peace as we go to our friend or brother who we have wronged and say, “Sorry, please forgive me!” That takes courage; that takes nerve; that requires humility but whenever this happens the enmity dies and the peace reigns! If you find yourself in this terrible situation, please go and utter those “hardest words” to your friend, “Forgive me please!”

Let’s pray as St. Francis of Assissi said, “Make me a channel of your peace.”

Prayer
Amazing Father, give us the courage to become peacemakers and reach out to those whom we are at odds with; to apologise and seek forgiveness, always aware that you have forgiven us.
Amen

Study by Cliff Neill

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About the Author:
Cliff Neill is an Elder in Grace Communion Church Luton.

Local  Congregation:
Grace Communion Church Luton
Farley Hill Methodist Church
North Drift Way
Farley Hill
LUTON LU1 5JE

Meeting Time:
Saturday 10:30am

Local Congregational Contact:
Harry Sullivan
Phone:  01908-582222
Email: harry_sullivan@wcg.org.uk