I'm sorry...

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I'm involved in a Mom's group in Selkirk and last week I was trying to teach the group of preschool children about saying, “I'm sorry”. I really wanted to emphasize that saying sorry is not enough and that we need to make restitution as well. I defined it as doing the opposite action of the sin. As I wondered how to get this idea across, I decided to roll play. Another mom and I pretended that we were kids and I then proceeded to steal a toy from her. The kids were suppose to tell me what I needed to do - say sorry and give the toy back - but what did they do? Laugh. They wanted us to act it out again. Especially the children of the other mom. They didn't seem to take us seriously. Why would I (a grown-up) be stealing a toy?
In the second scenario, I said something mean to my fellow actor: “I don't like you and I don'tlike your clothes.” The response of the kids? Silence and shock. They saw this as serious. Maybe it was because it was more feasible that an adult would say mean things to another adult. Whatever the reason, they wanted to see me make it right. I needed to say “sorry”as well as some kind words.
In the Sermon on the Mount, in the context of talking about anger – and that the standard in thekingdom of God goes well beyond “do not murder” down to our attitudes and words – Jesus says something about making things right.
Matthew 5:23-24 (NIV)
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother, then come and offer your gift.”
When we know that we have sinned against another person, we need to go and make peace with them –even if this means postponing our worship. God wants us to not only be reconciled to Him (see 2 Cor. 5:17-21) but also to each other (Romans 12:9-21).
How can we do this? Here are somethings I think being reconciled would include:
- say we are sorry
- acknowledge our sin
- ask for forgiveness
- repent – change our actions; pursue making restitution; focus on obedience to God
While there is much more that could be said about this as it is a very complex subject, in this blog I really just want to emphasize that our sin doesn't only impact our nrelationship with God but also with others. Therefore, we need to confess our sin to God AND to those who have been hurt by us. It is important to own our sin, to speak to those we have offended, and to pursue peace. As we do this, the grace of God expands in our lives and the lives of others.

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