Dr. Carl Bradley is one of the most intelligent people I have ever met. That doesn’t mean he always gets it right. Below is the text message conversation he had with Becky. I’m pretty sure I’m about to do couple’s counseling.
“My wife texted me a selfie in a new dress and asked: “Does this dress make my butt look too big?” I texted her back: “Noooooo!” My phone autocorrected my response to “Moooooo!” PLEASE SEND HELP!!
What do you do when you put your foot in your mouth all the way up to your knee? Apologize. It’s that simple. Don’t rationalize, justify, or make excuses. Be proactive and do the right thing.
Remember the old saying from Benjamin Franklin: “Never ruin an apology with an excuse.”
A quick heartfelt, sincere apology can quickly deescalate a tense situation and prevent an all-out war. It is an admission of guilt and repentance that has saved many marriages.
And while Carl is in a class all by himself, I have to admit that, even though I am certain Shannon realizes how blessed she is to be married to me, I have to apologize on a regular basis for saying or doing something incredibly insensitive. These apologies may be the only reason she hasn’t put a pillow over my face at night and collected the insurance money. I am certain apologies have saved my life.
Too often I see relationships that are in danger of failure because either one or both parties refuses to apologize. That is not the Christian way.
For Jesus, reconciling relationships was very important. He said, “Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift at the altar and go. First make things right with your brother or sister and then come back and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24)
One of the keys to a successful life is the ability and willingness to apologize when we are wrong. It matters.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, please forgive my arrogance and pride. Give me a heart of humility and gratitude. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
A quick apology can make your life much better. Trust me, I’m the master.
Also ladies: If you will always start out relating to men with the understanding that Eve was God’s upgrade from Adam, your life will be much less complicated. In other words, men are idiots. Please forgive us.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 