I think one of the most difficult things for any of us to do is to admit when we’re wrong. It might be that we believe we are right or it might be that our spirit becomes too prideful to humble ourselves to say those simple words, “I’m sorry.” It’s also difficult to say you’re sorry to someone who might not appreciate that you are. Sometimes the person we’ve offended is prideful themselves and we don’t want to say we’re sorry just to have it taken as a point of weakness.
Regardless of the reasons for one’s resistance, we have much to learn about humility from the Bible. David shares in Psalm 25:9, “Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He teaches sinners in the way. The humble He guides in justice and the humble He teaches His way.”
From a young age we teach our children to say their sorry when they’ve done something wrong. Neither of my children had a problem saying they were sorry when they were really young and didn’t fully understand what it meant. Once my older son started to understand, he became more reluctant to say it. I can sense it often makes him feel like he’s a “bad” kid or not behaving how he’s supposed to when this isn’t always the case. Our children make mistakes as they learn.
We should be able to come to a place where we can admit when we’re wrong and not take it personally, rather a place for us to grow from. Not one of us is perfect or has all the answers. I have much more respect for those who can humble themselves when they need to.
This does not mean becoming a doormat. I don’t think it’s necessary to go too far apologizing when there isn’t a need to. Perhaps recognize the area where you have failed and be specific if you would rather not take the claim to the whole situation. I have personally felt a whole lot better when I’ve been able to admit my fault or offense to someone.
Scripture referenced is from the NKJV.