Beyond “i’m Sorry” - The One Year Love Language Minute Devotional

Beyond “I’m Sorry”

The ear tests the words it hears just as the mouth distinguishes between foods.

Job 12:11

PERHAPS YOU HAVE SAID, “I’m sorry,” but your spouse is finding it hard to forgive you. You may feel frustrated and say to yourself, I apologized. What else can I do? If you’re serious, I’ll tell you. Ask your spouse this question: “What can I do to make this up to you?” You might also say, “I know I hurt you, and I feel bad about it, but I want to make it right. I want to do something to show you that I love you.”

This is far more powerful than simply saying, “I’m sorry.” Why? Because sometimes words don’t mean much unless they’re backed up with action. The Old Testament figure Job was overrun with words from his friends, who tried to make sense of his terrible suffering. But much of what they said was wrong, and in the passage above, Job says that he tested their words to determine what was true. We all do the same thing—test words to see if they are genuine and if they will likely be followed up with action.

To establish trust, you need to show that your words are genuine. When you ask your spouse how you can make the situation right, you are trying to make restitution. You are demonstrating that you really care about your relationship. After all, what your spouse wants to know is whether your apology is sincere. Make sure your answer is clear.

Lord, often I need to go the extra mile to make amends. Help me to show my spouse that I am sincere, and that I desire to do what is right. Help me to be willing to seek the reconciliation that our relationship needs.

Asking Forgiveness