Why is apologizing so important?

Isaiah 57:15The high and lofty one who lives in eternity, the Holy One, says this: “I live in the high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts.”

A true apology takes genuine humility. It requires that we realize our fault and admit it to someone else. We can be tempted to pretend the offense never happened, to try to cover it up, or to avoid the other person. These are signs that our heart is proud and averse to taking responsibility for our actions. Refusing to apologize can have devastating consequences: sour relationships, bitterness, isolation, rage, guilt. But through an apology we can experience reconciliation, forgiveness, healing, and courage. These blessings come with a tender conscience and a humble heart. Lasting change can begin only in someone who is humble. At the moment we admit our fault and ask forgiveness, we will begin to experience God’s healing in ourselves and our relationships.

Psalm 41:4“O Lord,” I prayed, “have mercy on me. Heal me, for I have sinned against you.”

Proverbs 28:13-14People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.

Luke 15:21“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.’”

Luke 24:47“It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’”

James 5:16Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.

Through an apology we receive forgiveness, mercy, healing, refreshment, and courage. In confessing our sins to God, we receive eternal life! Refusing to apologize will prevent us from receiving all these gifts. Even after confession and forgiveness, we often still experience the consequences of our wrong actions because they have already been set in motion; the harm has already been done. But God’s forgiveness restores our relationship with him.