Acts Chapter 23
Don’t You Think An Apology Is In Order?
When Paul was before the Sanhedrin, he basically said he was innocent and all he has done has been righteous before God. The high priest ordered he be struck in the mouth. After he was struck in the mouth, Paul quickly responded to the high priest by calling him a name and accusing him of evil. Those by Paul said how dare you insult God’s High priest. Paul replied, brothers, I did not realize he was the high priest for it is written, Do not speak evil about the authorities of your people.
Paul didn’t realize he made a harsh comment to the high priest and apologized because God desires us to respect our authorities. Respect is a way of gaining trust with your authorities and helps build a bridge of open, future communication. Disrespect only puts a wedge in between the relationship, thus making it more difficult to later be a witness to them. Paul’s apology was sincere.
Our problem is we don’t want to admit when we are wrong. We will often try and defend our words and actions versus humbling ourselves with a sincere apology. Those who fight to defend themselves may bring a satisfaction of victory, but don’t realize they put a wedge between them and their opponent. Their opponent will lose an element of respect for them. Then, later, when we want to be a witness to them, we have little impact because we have ruined our testimony for Jesus. They won’t take our faith seriously because they fail to see us as a person of integrity.
Apologies are great for bringing reconciliation and restoration to relationships, including the worst of broken relationships. May we remember to respect our authorities. Be careful what you say about your boss, your teacher, your parents, etc. Keep the respect.
If we fail, may we be humble enough to say I’m sorry.
But let us not stop there. If we have a dispute with our spouse, or kids, or friend, or enemy, let humility rise above our pride and apologize. It’s a great tool to regain and restore relationships. Blessings!
