When I was a youth pastor I hardly apologized. I thought I knew what was best for students and I ran with it. I didn’t do much wrong but sometimes people got the wrong impression or were hurt by something I did or didn’t say. I never realized what apologizing could do for me and the people who were hurt by my actions. An apology has lots of power behind it because people seldom do it and because it takes great emotion to do it right. Apologizing can do the following:
1. Humble You
When we see the world from others’ points of view we are taking a humble view of this world, much like Jesus did. When we care more about others’ feelings then our own we are following in the footsteps of Christ. Having a humble spirit allows us to live the life Christ talks about in Matt. 5. We get to experience real joy or a blessed life because we have placed others before ourselves. Apologizing says you are more important than me.
2. Show Value to OthersÂ
When we apologize we are saying you matter to me. It says I would rather humble myself before you then be out of relationship with you. Apologizing is powerful because it allows you to tell someone how much a good relationship with them means to you.
3. It Says You’re a Learner
When we apologize we get to learn what we have done wrong. By being open to listening to what people have against us allows us to hear how we come across and learn about the effect we are having on others. By having a spirit that says we are open to listen to others’ points of view we will learn a lot about ourselves and leading others.
