Leviticus Chapter 4: Verses 7-8 (NIV-UK)
‘“If any member of the community sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden in any of the Lord’s commands, when they realise their guilt and the sin they have committed becomes known, they must bring as their offering for the sin they committed a female goat without defect.
Sometimes we can offend or do something wrong unintentionally, or without even realising it. But once we become aware of it, God made it clear to Moses that things should still be put right. When we realise that we have done this, then the best thing to do is put things right as soon as possible. We need to do the right thing, especially as an ambassador for Jesus, even if we never intended to give offence. Putting things right, even by a simple but sincere apology can make a big difference.
First and foremost, it puts us right with God. A wise pastor I knew often said it is always best to keep short accounts with God. Wise advice indeed, and God never rejects that desire to put things right. But the positive effect of putting things right should never be underestimated. Having spent a large portion of my NHS career dealing with complaints and concerns, I have seen that first hand.
I recall one complaint I received as a GP Practice Manager. The complainant had been unhappy at the way a GP had communicated information and thus had felt the consultation had been unsatisfactory. When I spoke to the GP concerned, they were upset to learn of the patient’s experience. They had certainly never intended to cause offence. They wrote a sincere apology and also the reasons for the actions and advice they had given the patient.
In turn the patient themselves wrote back to say they were very happy with the letter they had received from the GP and understood that their concerns had been taken very seriously. Thus, a negative experience had been turned into a positive one. When we put things right with God, we open ourselves up to receiving His guidance and blessing. And being humble enough to acknowledge to others that we were wrong can also make a big impact.
We need to also remember that once we have put things right, God bears no grudge. So, when someone wants to put things right with us then neither should we.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for all the times Your mercy and forgiveness has been given to me. May I never be slow in showing the same to others. I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.