Slideshow image

"How to Apologize" (excerpt from "Winning at Conflict" Marriage Seminar)

Ruth & Simon Clarence - Two-Gether Ministries

Sunday, April 7, 2024

 

  • "A marriage without conflicts is almost as inconceivable as a nation without crisis" - Andre Maurois
  • "Conflict is inevitable, combat is optional." - Max Lucado

Apologizing: expressing regret for something done or said... to remove the barrier and restore the relationship.

What is an apology?

  1. Admit I am not perfect
  2. I don't know it all
  3. God isn't finished with me yet!

Why don't people apologize?

  1. PRIDE
  2. Fear of rejection
  3. Don't know how
  4. Too much effort
  5. Think it isn't their fault

The good news is, the art of an apology can be learned!

 

The 5 Languages of an Apology - from Gary Chapman

  1. Express regret - I am sorry
  2. Accept Responsibility - I was wrong
  3. Making Restitution - What can I do to make it right?
  4. Genuinely Repenting - I want to change
  5. Request Forgiveness - Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?

 

Remember to...

  • be humble...  “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." - Matthew 5:5
  • be genuine...repent - turn around and change your behavior
  • follow up with a plan of action... what are you going to do about this?
  • put your intentions in writing... find someone to be accountable to 

Hebrews 12:15  "See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;"

Where there is unity, blessing flows... Let it go and forgive!

Hurting people, hurt people... but healed people, heal people

 

*Next, click here to watch the full replay of this sermon on "How to Apologize" with Simon & Ruth Clarence.