Have you ever taken a toy away from your brother or sister that made them cry, only to be forced by your mom to say “I’m sorry” to them? If so, were you sorry? How can you tell if you’re really sorry, or just sorry you got caught?
Earlier this summer we saw how conflict arose among some biblical siblings. What we may not know, is when there was a true, honest apology, things did work out. In the story of Jacob and Esau, Jacob tricked Esau into giving him his birthright and then stole his father’s blessing. Later on, in chapters 32 and 33, we see Jacob offering Esau a sincere apology along with many gifts. Esau forgave his brother and did not kill him like he had said he would earlier. Jacob received forgiveness from both Esau and God, and got to keep his life because he apologized.
We also read about a boy named Joseph and his eleven jealous brothers. The brothers sold Joseph in to slavery. Joseph ended up becoming the highest ranking official under the King. Because of a drought, Joseph’s brothers came to him (not knowing who he was) to ask for food. By the end of the story, the brothers apologize for what they had done to Joseph and their relationship with Joseph is restored.
Finish off by reading Ephesians 4:26. Write this out in your own words to better understand it, or click here for some ideas.
So,next time you have an opportunity to apologize, do it. But mean it.
