Today, I had to apologize.

Today, I had to apologize.

Someone precious to me pressed a (few) button(s) they didn’t even realize they were pressing. I was tired, stressed, frustrated and feeling defensive. I barked. The person’s response was condescending. I barked again. We got off the phone and I simmered; and then I prayed.

Today, I had to apologize.

The reality is, it does not matter one whit what this other person said or even what they did. The thing that matters is what I said and what I did, because ultimately, that is the thing for which I am responsible.

The Bible doesn’t say, “Be holy – when every thing is going your way.” It says, “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16

The Bible doesn’t say, “Live at peace – when people are doing what you want them to.” It says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with everyone.” Romans 12:18

The Bible doesn’t say, “If someone offends you, make sure they know about it.” It says, “So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Romans 14:19

In this New Year, I have already seen Facebook slathered with posts about removing toxic people from your life, doing what makes you happy, pursuing your goals and getting what you want.

What I haven’t seen are posts about humbling your heart before God,

Ephesians 4:2

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient bearing with one another in love;

or posts about revelling in His mercy and grace,

James 4:6

But He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble”;

or posts about leading others to Him by being a living example of His love on the cross.

1 Peter 4:8-9 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins; &

Acts 1:8

…you will be My witnesses…”

Apologies are hard; they necessitate a sacrifice of pride. As I move into 2019, my prayer is that God will work in my heart that I would be more like Him. That I would need to apologize less and less but be willing more and more. I pray that God would fill me with His grace and that I would truly be a witness of the love He has for His creation.

Will you join me?