Forgiveness

Forgiveness

It is very easy to say Sorry, those times when you accidently nudge into someone, steal their place in the queue or spill on the carpet..   It is easy to say Sorry as commiseration to someone when you have heard about their sad news.

It is hard to say Sorry when you have done something wrong, or not done something you should have done.  Then we not only have to accept that we have done wrong but we have to overcome a bit of self pride as well.

I remember a bitter pub argument between two friends.   Too much beer had opened an old hurt and there were demands for an apology - but really it was a contest about control.   By forcing an apology one was trying to humiliate the other.     The next day with clear heads they were the best of mates again.

How many times have we seen managers or politicians come before a camera to officially apologise for some historical wrong.   It never seems quite sincere to me.   It is more a statement of closure.  I wonder if people really find that satisfying.

It is very hard to say Sorry, especially within a personal relationship.   Hard for the person saying it and often just as hard for the person receiving it.   It takes two for sorry to be rich and meaningful word that ends a bad episode and wipes the slate clean.   Sorry offers a new beginning, a fresh start.

I am Tony McNeile a Unitarian