Saying I’m Sorry

My youngest daughter wrote an apology to her classmate. 

Her teacher told her that they will be celebrating “Friendship Day” in a week or so, and students could give each other cards if they would like. However, her teacher said if they give cards, they have to give one to everyone in the class. Since my 6 year-old daughter knows nothing about all the hype and commercialism of Valentine’s Day, she thought her teacher meant they had to write a card to each student in the class. And the first card my daughter wrote was an apology. 

My daughter had every intention of writing all 16 classmates a card, before I explained to her what her teacher meant. And I find it worthy to note that my baby’s first order of business was an apology. But here’s the thing you really need to know— her apology was to a classmate who is mean to her on a regular basis…I hear a lot about this particular kid from my daughter. So honestly, if anyone should be writing an apology letter, it would probably be him. But my baby reminded me of the clear teachings of Christ that many of us tend to wander away from. 

I know what it’s like to hang onto wrongs committed against me— to hold out for the justice or apology due me, to defiantly raise my banner for “fairness” against all “unfairness”. I’ve been down that road, and it only leads to the bondage of bitterness, resentment, and self-righteous indignation. Jesus knows that too. Which is why He commanded all who follow Him to forgive the unforgivable, to keep no record of wrongs…to “love others the way I have loved you.”

And I’m sure glad my baby gave me a much needed reminder of that. (*explanation of letter at bottom of post) 

(1 Cor 13:4,5 ) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs.

(John 13:34,35) A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.

(Matt 6:14,15) …if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

(Matt 5:43-45) You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. 

 

(Matt 5:38-42) You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also…if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

*Her letter says: “I am sorry for what I did when we were at gym. Can you forgive me? Write if you will forgive me.” (She stole his ball when they were playing in the gym)