A Shortage of Seeking Forgiveness

A veteran missionary friend, Dan, commented, “I’m amazed that Michelle sought you out to apologize. So few Christian leaders do that today.”

Now think about that for a minute.

Why is it “amazing” that Michelle, who serves in a Christian leadership position, sought me out to apologize when she had indeed sinned against me? How have some “leaders” often failed miserably in something this basic to our relationship with Christ and with others? And sadly, I doubt Michelle would have even apologized had not another colleague pointed out that what she said and did to me was wrong.

I certainly accepted Michelle’s apology, but it would have been nice for Michelle to have also asked for my forgiveness.

It is easy to rationalize or excuse our sin. I have at times. That greatly contributes to the shortage of seeking forgiveness.  

Often, we don’t seek forgiveness because we are not convicted of our sin. We are not convicted of our sin because we don’t look at God’s standards as the benchmark. Or we don’t listen to the Holy Spirit who convicts us. Or we may shamelessly excuse or deny or dismiss our being rude, unkind, jealous, boastful, arrogant, disrespectful, impatient, or envious. And God is grieved.

Numerous factors can contribute to the sad shortage of not seeking another’s forgiveness when we should. If we are not controlled by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18), we will lack the genuine fruit of His Spirit— love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Or when we refuse to listen to the trusted person who lovingly confronts us, we often miss God’s greater work in our lives. For him who may think too highly of himself because of the position he holds, there can be much ungodly fallout.

In addition, if we neglect feeding our soul regularly from His Word and communing with our Lord, it becomes rather easy to live according to our flesh and like the world. We slide into justifying sin, perhaps becoming callous to it. The Word of God cleanses, renews, reveals, convicts, directs, teaches, and restores! Ephesians 6:17 describes God’s Word as our sword of the Spirit.

God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble (I Peter 5:5-6). Let’s respond to God, His Spirit, His Word and others as He convicts and leads us. Humble yourself. Seek forgiveness. That is the Christ-life.