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2 Corinthians 5:16-21 – From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we no longer know him in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; look, new things have come into being! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ: be reconciled to God. For our sake God made the one who knew no sin to be sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (NRSVUE)
The primary purpose of Christian preaching is to invite reconciliation — in every aspect of life. The first step on a journey of reconciliation just may be to say, "I'm sorry."
"I ask for God's forgiveness, and I want to say to you with all my heart: I am very sorry." These words of Pope Francis are just the beginning of a new relationship.
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby visited a school on James Smith Cree Nation to hear accounts from children, grandchildren, and survivors of residential schools. "I am sorry. I am more sorry than I can say. I am ashamed. I am horrified."
National Sorry Day is an annual event that has been held in Australia on May 26 each year since 1998. The event remembers and commemorates the mistreatment of the country's indigenous peoples.
The Presbyterian Church in Canada commemorates Healing and Reconciliation Sunday every year in May (in 2022, on May 22) to remind us that we, too, have said "I'm sorry" to the indigenous peoples of Canada.
Just two little words: "I'm sorry" — and yet, they can be the beginning of a new life and a new relationship. These two words open a door to healing, and healing can bring reconciliation, and reconciliation can be the beginning of a new relationship, whether with indigenous peoples, with friends or family, or with God.
In the church, we begin every worship service with the "I'm sorry" prayer. We call it the prayer of confession. Many of us begin our day with our own personal "I'm sorry" prayer as we ask for forgiveness for the brokenness in our lives. From Prayers for Healing and Reconciliation Sunday, here is one such prayer that we are invited to say as we embrace this day:
Prayer: Creator God, we live and love imperfectly. You called us to love our neighbour as ourselves but collectively we have not, and individually we fall short. We say all people reflect Your image but our actions betray what we say. For those of us living with pain or grief caused by racism and colonialism, we ask You for healing and strength. For those of us living with privilege and wondering what to do, we ask for the strength to learn, to listen, and to work to end systems that oppress. As You came to set captives free, free us all from those ways of thinking, speaking, and acting that belittle or harm any of Your beloved creations and show us again how to live in Your love. Let us work for reconciliation. Amen.
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THANK YOU.
Thanks for sharing, Kenn.
Amen and thank you Kenn.
Great post and reminder, Kenn. God bless!
Thank you, Kenn, for a wonderful devotional today.
Thank you for your pertinent and meaningful devotional.
Thank you Kenn.
(ON)
A big AMEN, Kenn.
Thank you for sharing.
(ON)
Thank you, Kenn!
I like very much your devotion for today.
I will try to reconcile with all those in my communities, family, church, and neighbourhood, and globally.
And above all, with God and everyone in our global community.
Thanks again,
(Quebec)
Great to know about this opportunity to ask forgiveness along with the whole world, tomorrow, Kenn! What a joy to learn about!
Greetings Kenn and many thanks for this excellent and very mindful devotional writing today. So very true that the words “I’m sorry”, can bring healing to so many situations and to so many families, friends, and nations. Today, in our world, there are many places that the words “I’m sorry” or “We’re sorry”, need to be seriously spoken and heard. Blessings to you for this very poignant writing today.
Sir, this is so good.
Thankyou.
I feel that better healing (and prevention of reccurrence) could perhaps occur if the offender(s) confesses or confess (with a resolve to correct) what they are sorry for.
So… “what they are sorry for” is exposed, hence humility happens.
So… the offender feels as well, some of the pain of the victim, even if the apology is extremely belated. Sharing pain helps absorb the greater pain of the victim and speeds up true healing via comfort if the victim is willing to forgive. Forgiveness is such a happy occurrence!!!
That’s my take on this topic, and Kenn, PLEASE keep up the wonderful work you are doing for God.
Good morning Kenn,
A beautiful message that we all need to hear and remember all year long. So many times, I fail even when I am trying to not sin. I am grateful that I can confess and be forgiven.
My granddaughter has taught me the importance of saying “I am sorry”. To admit to others that I am not perfect and need them to understand that I was thoughtless in my words or actions. She says it is better not to make the mistake but when I do to admit it and own up.
Thank you for the information that in Australia they have a National Sorry Day on May 26th starting in 1998. Very important for a nation to recognize the mistreatment over the years of Indigenous people.
Blessings.
Beautiful prayer. God Bless.
Yet another winner! THANKS!
Thank you, Kenneth, for sharing this encouraging devotional with us.
Blessings.
Hello, Kenn;
What a beautiful and always timely piece. Thank you for writing it and sharing that wonderful prayer that expresses so succinctly what is in my heart.
I pray you’re doing well, and hope God’s blessings to you and your loved ones.
Thanks for this Kenn, the prayer is so good, as usual. Blessings.