AN APOLOGY FOR...

From My Perspective - - -

Our nation has made a very dangerous decision that placed us on the quicksand of the world rather than on the solid foundation or moral values and integrity. We have placed diplomacy above principle, and appeasement above resolve. An Embassy in Egypt is violated and the American Flag is torn, shredded and burned - and we apologize. A Black Muslim Flag is raised where the Stars and Stripes should be unfurled - and we apologize. Our Consulate in Libya is attacked and burned; our Ambassador and his aides are killed - and we apologize. Our “close Ally” requests an audience with America’s Commander in Chief, and their Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is refused because our President’s schedule is too full (with a fund raiser in Nevada and an appearance on the David Letterman Show) - but we don’t apologize.

We have successfully managed to get the process of right and wrong reversed. The violated is apologizing to the violator. The victim is apologizing to the perpetrator. Our nation has assumed a posture of weakness rather than strength. We appear to be cowardly rather than brave, and timid rather than assertive. We appear to have lost any resolve or backbone. Like vultures circling in the sky, the enemies of this nation are readying themselves for the death, or demise, or the kill of this nation. Rather than offering an apology, we ought to demand that the perpetrators be apprehended and dealt with appropriately; that reparations be made to our nation and the families of the slain; and that all aid be suspended until there is a satisfactory response.

What is an Apology?  It is a written or spoken expression of one’s regret, remorse, or sorrow for having insulted, failed, injured, or wronged another. Some Synonyms are: acknowledgement, amends, atonement, excuse, explanation or plea. There is a time and place for a genuine and meaningful apology. However, it should never be expressed in a plastic manner or sound like an empty collection of words. Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote, “The bitterest tears shed over graves are the words left unsaid and for deeds left undone.” Those words ring true and an apology is part of what is often left unsaid and undone. G. K. Chesterton wrote, “A stiff apology is a second insult. The injured party does not want to be compensated because he has been wronged, he wants to be healed because he has been hurt.”

There is a Biblical instruction regarding how people should deal with one another. Interpersonal relationships are vital and should be safeguarded. Jesus Christ stated in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:21-26, "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment…Again…whoever says 'Fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell. Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. Settle matters quickly with your adversary…” The Message Paraphrase states, “If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God…Make the first move; make things right with him…”

Sadly, the “church” is not always the best model for confession, apology, forgiveness and restoration. The “church” has more than its share of those who have never apologized, never forgiven, and never made wrongs right. One is made to wonder how such people can rationalize the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:14-15, “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” In the NLT, “if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Does that describe you? Do you forgive and forget? Do you follow the instruction of Jesus in this regard? Consider these things with me!