Telling God you’re sorry is step one. Telling the person you hurt is usually step two.
GRATITUDE
WHAT THIS MEANS
The private part is easier and people stop there. You settle it internally, feel the weight shift, and decide the matter is closed, except the person you actually hurt has heard nothing and is still carrying their half of it. Being forgiven and making amends are two separate steps, and skipping the second one leaves the repair entirely theoretical. The second step is the one with the awkward conversation in it.
Say it to the person this week. Face to face if you can manage it, short, with no explanation of your reasons attached.
A QUESTION TO SIT WITH
Who are you still owing an apology you have privately already made?
MORE IN FAITH, GRACE & PURPOSE
- When it was time to crown Israel’s first king, Saul was hiding among the luggage. Even called people get scared.
- Sometimes you forgive people who never apologize. It’s not for their record. It’s for your peace.
- Forgiving someone is free. Trusting them again is earned. Those are two different things, and that’s okay.
Free, with nothing to buy inside it.