Monday, August 18, 2008

Apology Power 2 Way Street






Apology Power: Everybody Wins



Yesterday I answered the phone to an unfamiliar phone number, "Ms. Kay, I want to apologize for some things I may have said to you earlier." A woman I know casually had dropped by to speak to me after church services. I've been attracted to this woman because she is a joyful expressive worshipper during our services. I'm always blessed by her smile and encouraging attitude.




We are acquaintances, but we don't know one another well. I must have given her a business card in the past ... otherwise I don't know how she could have had my phone number. I answered her honestly, "I receive your apology because I've been through some things recently and I know about God's convictions and the need for confession. The good news is that whatever you're going through was not obvious to me." I am transparent and most people read me like a book. I wanted her to know that whatever she thought that was bothering her didn't show up to me.



That opened up some hurts and for over an hour we talked and I felt this distraught woman relaxing and coming to peace. I still don't know what she felt was so wrong in our time together. But thanks to this blog writing I had apology power on my mind.



During our time together I was blessed by her sincerity and pursuit of God's best in her life. Yes, getting "real" and opening up to one another in apology was powerful and the blessings flowed to both of us: the confessor and the receiver.



Jesus Christ, as He walked His daily walk was Strong Gentleness. If I can hold onto seeing Him and pray for Holy Spirit to keep me in Him I can be blessed and be a blessing. I pray to be tender and real with everyone I meet. There is no way for me to know what might be going on their world. Holy Spirit knows right where they are; and if I lean into His guidance I can bless and be blessed.



The Bible has much to say about walking in humble Strong Gentleness:



Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves Romans 12:10


Live in harmony with one another Romans 12:16


Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.... 1 Thessalonians 5:11


And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds Hebrews 10:24




3 comments:

Dorothy Champagne said...

Hi Kay!
Wanted to take a minute and say hello. Sounds like a wonderful conversation you had with this woman. Hope you have a great week!!

Kelly said...

What a wonderful lesson of truth. Thanks for sharing.

jhunnelle said...

Hi Kay, i just wanna say thank you for visiting and leaving a comment on my site.

You have a very encouraging blog, can i include your blog in my blogroll?

Blessings

© 2008 Kay Martin

Thrive In Christ

Who I Am In Christ by Neil Anderson

For several months we will center on this book to pursue Thriving in our Christian journey.

Neil challenges us with: "Do you know who you are in God's eyes? We are no longer products of our past. We are primarily products of Christ's work on the cross. Who we are determines what we do.

You are not who you are in Christ because of the things you have done, you are in Christ because of what He has done. He died and rose again so that you and I could live in the FREEDOM of His love."

That's just the introduction. More to follow.