Keep Short Lists

The older I get, the more I keep ‘shortlists’ with friends and family. You see, I can be snarky or offend with careless comments or a lack of thoughtfulness, and I could let these things slip by. But I try to set it straight right away, like, “Ken, what I said was stupid and I’m sorry I offended you… I was wrong; would you please forgive me?”

It’s not enough to apologize. Just saying “I’m sorry” just doesn’t cut it. It falls short of real repentance. If there’s been an offense, there has to be an exchange – I confess my sin, and the other extends pardon. That’s keeping a short list. The Bible says, “Confess your sins one to another and you will be healed.” Today, keep short lists with your friends and family. For when there’s repentance, there’s always healing.