I’m Sorry

I’m Sorry

Bible Blast: Read James 5:13-16

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. James 5:16

When Yasmine received the notice from the school librarian that her book was overdue, she got frustrated because she couldn’t find it. She looked everywhere, but she couldn’t find it anywhere.

She stomped in the door after school, threw her backpack down on the floor, and announced, “I can’t find my library book anywhere! If I don’t return it, they’re probably going to send me to library jail or something!”

Yasmine’s mom assured her that she wouldn’t go to any type of jail and said, “We’ll all help you look for it, honey.”

That entire weekend Yasmine’s family helped her search for the missing book. They looked through backpacks, cleaned out the stuff under the beds, and went through the car. Every time they didn’t find it, Yasmine accused her little sister, Alexis, of hiding it even though Alexis said she hadn’t.

Monday morning in school, Yasmine opened her desk to get her math workbook. When she pulled it out of her desk, she squealed because lying underneath it was her long-lost library book!

At home she shared her excitement with everyone about finally finding the book. Alexis just went into her room and shut the door.

“Yasmine, I’m glad you found your book,” her mom said. “But don’t you think you need to talk to Alexis about accusing her of something she didn’t do?”

Yasmine looked down at her feet and swallowed hard. “Yeah. I guess I’ll go apologize.”

She went into her sister’s room and sat down on the bed. “Lexi, um, I’m really sorry that I kept saying you took my book. And I’m sorry I didn’t believe you. Will you forgive me?”

Alexis had tears in her eyes when she answered, “That was pretty lame, but I do forgive you.”

They hugged and were glad to be okay again.

Girl Gab: Ask your mom about the right way to apologize when you’ve hurt someone. Here’s a hint or two: Don’t list a bunch of excuses for why you hurt the person, and make sure it’s really clear that you’re apologizing. Do you need to apologize to someone today?