Not A Magic Cure

Apologies can sometimes be an easy way out—like Harriet Oleson saying she’s sorry for spreading rumors in the town newspaper. The meaningless words can be used as more of an excuse than heartfelt regret.

I can get all down on Mrs. Oleson, but it happens more than I’d like to admit in my own life. Whether it’s with my family and friends or someone I’ve only met twice, the classic “I’m sorry” line isn’t a magic cure. It’s ironic that most parents and teachers have enforced this trite response for years, forcing children to say sorry even if the remorse is missing.

So many of us have learned to be sorry in word, but the deed part is seriously lacking.

Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.

1 John 3:18 NLT

If you’ve read my book, I talk about my husband a lot. This chapter centers on the time he hurt my feelings… big-time. The groom’s opinion on a wedding dress is never a good subject for engaged couples to talk about. Take my word for it.

Sometimes saying sorry doesn’t cut it. It didn’t work for my hubby, but what did work was using the same opinionated spirit to change the dialogue. Kind words are stronger than apologies.

How can your kind words overshadow a meaningless “I’m sorry?”

How would your relationships be different if you replaced “I’m sorry” with “Will you forgive me?”

3 responses to “Not A Magic Cure”

  1. Thanks Wendi for such a thought provoking devotional. As a retired school teacher, I heard “I’m sorry “from elementary students constantly. Unfortunately, most didn’t mean it. When I read an article suggesting kids start saying, “Will you forgive me?” It stuck with me. I told my partner teacher and from then one shared it with all of our students. As you stated, it creates ownership in one’s wrong doing. And we all need more self checking in that department.

    Blessings! ❤🙏❤

  2. Thank you so much 😊

  3. This is a very powerful message Wendi. I have always taught my children that saying I’m sorry but not changing ones behavior means that the apology is false. I love following it up with will you forgive me. Thank you 😊

Leave a Reply