Three “Magic” Words
by Tara Wentworth
One of the ways to ruin any relationship is to refuse to say three simple words, “I am sorry”. Those words almost work “magic” in restoring a broken relationship.
Somehow we have equated “I am sorry” with “I was wrong”. Most of the time, that is exactly right, but sometimes you may not have been the one who was entirely in the wrong or more wrong than the other person. “I am sorry” works like a bridge, to get you where you need to go. It opens up the gate of communication so that the relationship can be fully restored.
Why do we have such a hard time saying those words to our spouse or another loved one, a co-worker or even just an acquaintance that we have somehow offended? I think PRIDE is the biggest reason. We do not like to admit that we were wrong or at least partially at fault in the altercation that created the rift in the relationship.
The more time that is allowed to pass without restoring a right relationship, the more difficult it can be to repair the broken relationship. Scripture affirms this principle, exhorting us to not let the sun go down on your anger (Ephesians 4:26). In other words, deal with the situation right away. When a relationship between husband and wife is not right, it will even hinder their prayer life and relationship to the Lord (I Peter 3:7). The scriptures are very plain. “If you bring your gift to the altar (church) and there remember that your brother (or anyone else) has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24) So, it is the responsibility of the one who recognizes there is an offense, to go to the offended one. The way of humility is always the right way.
Offenses left undealt with can turn to bitterness and scripture states that bitterness will defile many. Why? Because the person who is bitter cannot keep it inside indefinitely. The longer it is kept inside, the more it will affect the whole person’s life. Research has shown that many diseases are the result of unresolved anger and conflict. Ultimately it will begin to affect the lives of those with whom the person is in relationship.
If you think about it, God created us to have fellowship with Himself. Jesus came and paid the awful price so that relationship could be restored after mankind chose to rebel against God’s ways. Can or should we do any less? A home where there is peace, is a home where those who are there choose to use those three little “magic” words, “I am sorry”!
| Name | Size | Type | Last Modified |
| TFAM article - Having an Intentional Marriage | 35.6 KB | File | 3/12/2009 12:57:34 PM |
| TFAM article - Leaving a Legacy | 25 KB | Microsoft Word Document | 2/26/2009 11:19:53 AM |
| TFAM article - Praying for our Leaders | 24.5 KB | Microsoft Word Document | 2/26/2009 11:19:55 AM |
| TFAM article - Resolving Honest Conflict | 24 KB | Microsoft Word Document | 2/26/2009 11:19:51 AM |
| TFAM article - Three Magic Words | 24 KB | Microsoft Word Document | 2/26/2009 11:19:58 AM |
| TFAM article -Learning to Talk | 24.5 KB | Microsoft Word Document | 2/26/2009 11:19:56 AM |