Humans have an aversion to saying “I AM SORRY!” We can say it inadvertently easily enough—like when we’re walking down a street and bump into someone. It’s a quick way of letting them know that you meant no harm by crashing into them because you were reading your emails on your smart phone instead of paying attention! It makes all the difference if there is eye contact when saying “I’m sorry”. Most people are instantly assuaged, and we continue to navigate the crowded streets. Research has shown this instant human interaction is the reason why there is very little walking sidewalk rage, compared to more than half of people who admit to having car road rage. In a car, people cannot see the eyes of a driver who has offended and the instant irritability can turn into rage. There’s something about being able to apologise, sincerely, that immediately lowers the temperature of interaction.
When I was in Lae, PNG, for the recent PNG for Christ program, I noted something very special amongst our brothers and sisters in Christ. Four churches and eight church plants make up the APPOTO Zone district in Lae’s north-eastern suburbs. It’s fair to say that some dissension about the plans for evangelism had occurred. Their practice was to meet and ask for forgiveness prior to the meetings, because the focus on sharing the gospel was more important than any disagreement they had. They came together to say “I’m sorry” as they could not in good conscience begin sharing the good news if they were not united in mission together. It was the embodiment of Matthew 5:23,24 (ERV): “So, what if you are offering your gift at the altar and remember that someone has something against you? Leave your gift there and go make peace with that person. Then come and offer your gift.”
There is much we can learn from our brothers and sisters in PNG. Their love of sharing the gospel, their openness and hospitality to name a few. But for me, it’s their ability to say “I’m sorry” that impressed me the most. It made all the difference in the tone and Spirit-led outcome and impact of our evangelism. Christ said (John 13) “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Love is not easy but it’s considerably easier when we say “I am sorry.” Forgiveness, when sincere, is powerful in sharing the good news.
