How should I accept an apology?

2 Samuel 12:13Then David confessed to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan replied, “Yes, but the Lord has forgiven you, and you won’t die for this sin.”

Psalm 51:17The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.

The Lord welcomes a broken and repentant heart. He is quick to forgive and offer mercy. God’s merciful response shows us how we should respond when someone apologizes to us.

Luke 15:20-24“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.”

Luke 17:3“So watch yourselves! If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive.”

When someone apologizes, we can be tempted to punish the person further, to lash out in anger for what he or she has done, to prolong the suffering. But in Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son, the Father not only forgives at once, but he also calls for a party to celebrate a great event in his son’s life—being restored to his family. True forgiveness is not grudging or sparing but joyful, generous, and healing.