The Art of Reconciliation: Part 2 |
The First Step Towards Healing
Why is it so hard for some people to say, "Will you please forgive me?" Often it is fear. Fear of losing control. To ask a person to forgive you means you put the future of the relationship in their hands. Fear of rejection. When you ask for forgiveness the other person may say, "No". For some of us our greatest fear is the fear of rejection.
Or, it could be fear of failure. For these people, admitting wrong is equivalent to saying, "I'm a failure." Understanding the Scriptures can remove all of these fears. The Scriptures say, "All have sinned." To admit that you have done wrong is simply to admit that you are human. Requesting forgiveness is the first step toward healing.
Requesting vs. Demanding Forgiveness
It is always right to request forgiveness. It is never right to demand forgiveness. The husband who says, "I told you I'm sorry. What more can I say?" is demanding forgiveness. He is not likely to receive it. None of us respond well to demands. Forgiveness is a choice to lift the barrier and let the other person back into our lives.
The Risk is Worth It
There is always the risk that they will hurt us again. Some people have been hurt so many times that they are reluctant to forgive. However, without forgiveness, the relationship cannot grow. If you are in a stalemate, I urge you to apologize and request forgiveness. Then, give the other person time to process their pain. In the mean time, pray and love.
Share your questions, thoughts, insights, or comments:
Join the conversation on Facebook at The Official Five Languages of Apology page.
|
|
Saturday, May 22: Dear Gary
Building Relationships Radio Whether it's a question about marriage, singleness, parenting, or dating, listeners have come to trust the answers given by Dr. Gary Chapman. On this edition of Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman, you'll hear more questions for the author of the NY Times bestseller, The 5 Love Languages. See if you agree with Gary's advice to callers this week-and learn how you can better speak love into the lives of those around you.
Featured resource for this program:
The 5 Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman.
Tune in to Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman, the weekly radio broadcast brought to you by Moody Radio and Moody Publishers. Listen live online Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. CST at moodyradio.org,check your local radio station, or download free podcasts and get more information.
|
|
Posts
Uncovers the phenomenon of women who love emotionally unavailable men. 
0 people saying something:
Post a Comment