Should We Apologize?

"Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. ... But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." Galatians 5:19-23

I have been watching, with some interest and dismay, the struggle by all political parties as they vie for primacy in the coming presidential election. It has been no holds barred as they wrestle for the favor of the American voters. Then the assassination attempt. Suddenly things got "real". Questions are being asked - have we gone too far with our vitriol - cruel and bitter criticism? Then a question on one of the news programs - "Do you think we should apologize?". There was not an immediate response. Apologize when I believe I am justified?

It was then that I was reminded of Galatians chapter 5. We live in a culture where the end justifies the means. Truth is relative not absolute. I am hoping that the people and politicians will rise to a higher standard of doing. But the works of the flesh are evident. I am expecting behavior that is out of reach for anyone that has not yielded their hearts to faith in Jesus so the fruit of the Spirit might be revealed.

Why should I be surprised at the depths that people will go to satisfy their desires? There are many who claim devotion to God as Christians and yet are deeply committed to the political means and methods I see on the news every day.

"How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." - Matthew 12:34-37

I am not promoting any party or candidate. I am merely suggesting that we need to "open the eyes of our hearts". To see the world with a spiritual perspective. To let the world see Jesus through your lives and perhaps marvel at the grace and mercy of God and the transformation of sinners into saints. I was refueling our truck when another truck pulled up on the other side of the pump. The truck had a "dummy" .50 caliber round in place of an antenna and a cross hanging on the rear view mirror. Do you see an inconsistency there?

Should we apologize? If we have sinned, we should first confess our sins (1 John 1:9) seeking forgiveness and then repent from them. Choosing a better way. 

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone