A number of figures associated with exam results across England, Northern Ireland and Wales were apologising yesterday. It’s interesting that they did say ‘sorry’ as there seems to be a culture around that apologising or saying ‘sorry’ is a sign of weakness (is there also a fear that it could lead to being sued, with financial consequences?) So often we hear politicians or business figures adding a qualification to an apology, ‘I’m sorry if you took offence at what I said/did’ – which puts the onus on the offended party for daring to be offended. Far from apologising being a sign of weakness, many of us were brought up to believe that to admit a mistake, and apologise for it, was a sign of maturity and strength of character – and just saying sorry wasn’t enough. You had to be sorry, try to put things right, and try make sure you didn’t make the same mistake again
Lord, ‘sorry’ is a word we need to say so often to you. Thank you that you forgive us, and help us to keep trying to do things better. As Jesus taught us ‘forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us’
