“Everybody needs a little time away … I’ve heard her say …. from each other …. “
Chicago anyone? What a great song, and what a true statement. “It’s hard for me to say I’m sorry.” Or as Elton John once said, “Sorry seems to be the hardest word to say.”
Saying, “I’m sorry,” is difficult for so many of us. It admits we were wrong. It admits they were right. It takes the blame for something we might be ashamed of. And because it is so difficult to swallow our pride, we often resist and just say, “They’ll get over it.” Or, “They shouldn’t be upset anyway”. But this won’t help uncomplicate our relationships. It just makes them more complicated. Saying, “I’m sorry,” is not only difficult, unfortunately it is needed. Here are three things to help you use the “S word”.
1) Be specific.
You don’t have to offer a blanket apology for all things ever done or said, but you should be specific about for what it is you are sorry. “I’m sorry I hurt your feelings.” “I’m sorry I let you down.” “I’m sorry I was late.”
2) No sneak attack.
Don’t use your apology as a way to address what THEY need to apologize for. “I’m sorry I was late but you’re late all the time!” Stick to your own behavior. It’s on them to apologize for their stuff. All of us hope that this act will motivate them to own what is theirs, but that’s up to them.
3) Let it go.
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After you have dealt with it, then leave it. What they do with it from there is up to them. If they want to talk about it more, let them. If they want to ignore it or just say, “Thanks,” and move on, let them. Scripture says, “As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Do your part, then let it go.
So, who is on your list? Who needs a text, an email, or a face to face to hear you say, “I’m sorry.” Why wait any longer?