Forty-fifth Street Baptist Church Weekly Sermons

"These Three Words"...7/26/20 PART 3

PART 2 - https://youtu.be/KfIhHZ-ggoM

"These Three Words"...7/26/20
Sermon Series:
“REAL LOVE”
A Relationship Rehab Series

Speaker: Pastor Sparks
Text: 1 Samuel 25

-There are times in relationships where we simply just don’t get it right

-Sometimes it’s not the act, but the discussion after the act that hurts the most. We gotta know HOW to talk to each other!

-While the words “I love you” are uber important, “I am sorry” are just as important

-There’s no way you can join two lives together without stepping on each other’s toes at times

-In this scripture, Nabal—and a ton of people—were spared because Nabal’s wife, Abigail, stepped in and apologized to David on Nabal’s behalf, thus saving the lives of her entire household

-Do you know how to apologize?

WHY APOLOGIZE?
* Because it’s a way of recognizing & acknowledging our wrongs, and by doing so we clear the air with others to help restore relationship
-Understand though, that apologies don’t automatically equate to forgiveness. Do your part and let the other person come around when they’re ready

ELEMENTS OF A HEALTHY APOLOGY
* Address everyone involved
* This includes the innocent bystanders that heard/saw/experienced the junk you did
* Avoid “if”, “but”, & “maybe”
* When we use these terms, we lessen what we’ve done and put the responsibility on the other person
* Admit specifically what you’ve done
* Acknowledge the hurt
* Empathy goes a long way; it’s hard to acknowledge hurting someone when you don’t put yourself in their shoes
* Accept the consequences
* The person may not forgive you...but that’s their right. Do your part and give them space to process it as they see fit
* Alter your behavior
* If your apology isn’t combined with changed behavior, it’s a hollow, ineffective, insincere apology
* Ask for forgiveness & allow time
* “I’m sorry” acknowledges behavior; “will you forgive me?” requests righting the relationship.
* Time is a healer

3x5 Apology Rules
* Express regret
* Accept Responsibility
* Make restitution
* Genuine repentance
* Request forgiveness

Sermon Notes courtesy of Deacon Anthony Sparks

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