“Sorry, not Sorry”
September 1, 2017“#Sorry, Not Sorry”
This term has become part of the cultural lingua franca in the last few years. It can leave one confused as you try to decipher if this is an apology or not. (Hint- it’s only an apology for not being apologetic.) This recently played out on a national stage when a cultural commentator retracted a previous apology. She had been called out by all sides of the political class for a picture she was in. Initially her attitude could be described as contrite and humble. But something happened in the last few weeks that made her decide to “… take it all back.” Even though she lost a job, friends, and credibility, she desired to return to the way things had been.
Is it possible to retract an apology? The words can’t be unspoken, but that’s not the only part of an apology. Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines the apology as “an admission of error … accompanied by an expression of regret” (11th ed.). These two qualifiers serve to refine the proper ingredients that verify the validity of apologies. They also limit the ability to walk the regrets back because you’ve admitted to error and offered regret.
Apologies are useful and necessary for reconciliation (Matthew 5:23-24). Forgiveness is where the apology finds its resolution. In Luke 17:3-4, we are called to forgive when a brother offers us an apology. It’s only in this relationship that we can be unified as a church and family.
Are there things you have done that require you to offer an apology? Have you wronged someone or been guilty of stirring up strife? Find freedom in an apology freely offered and forgiveness readily reciprocated. When you do, you’ll never regret it.
Pastor Dave
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