Something I’ve learned over the years is this. The longer you wait to apologize for a wrong the harder it gets. For some reason, the enemy convinces us that it’s just too late or not that big of a deal. We will quickly rationalize how we were not in the wrong, even with spiritual terminology that sounds OHHH SOOO GOOD. However, many miracles are missed, reconciliations lost, and relationships bruised merely because one wouldn’t humble themselves.

The words, “I’m so sorry” (with no excuses) mean the world to a broken heart. We, often, never really know the suffering we’ve caused behind the scenes. But if we do, we do have a biblical mandate to do our best to reconcile the relationship.

I’ve seen many of God’s people who can fast for days, preach great messages, and be a picture of holy meekness. But when it came down to acknowledging a wrong-they just couldn’t (or wouldn’t) do it.

That very lack of humility will cancel out the power of a testimony in a heartbeat. It breaks trust. However, one who walks upright in this with humility and honesty will shine a bright light to a world looking for authenticity rather than religiosity. They will also save many beautiful relationships that Christ sent as a blessing to our lives.

I’m reminded of King David and his terrible decisions that led to tremendous sin. He wouldn’t humble himself and confess his sin until Nathan confronted him. (2 Samuel 12)

Sometimes, we need a Nathan to hold us accountable. We have too few Nathan’s today.  It’s hard to admit when we’ve been wrong, or in sin but repentance is really a requirement-not just with Jesus but also with each other.