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WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES ABOUT

Godly Apologies and Repentance - 2 Corinthians 7: 9-11

When we are truly sorry for our words and actions toward either God or our fellow-man the following characteristics will be visible:

1) Earnestness - showing serious feeling or intention

To apply this we want God or the person to whom we are repenting or apologizing to or seeking the forgiveness of to perceive that we really mean it. Therefore, we must say something for them to hear and we must do something for them to see.

2) Godly Sorrow - mental suffering caused by loss; disappointment; grieve or to distress mentally

To apply this we want God or the person to whom we are repenting or apologizing to or seeking the forgiveness of to perceive that we really have been grieved, distressed, and disappointed by how we offended them.

3) Vindication - clear of blame; justify

To apply this we want the person to whom we are repenting or apologizing to or seeking the forgiveness of to perceive that we desire to clear ourselves of blame or guilt in the matter. Therefore, we must show an act or give an explanation in order to minimize the person's accusation or suspicion of us.

Note: To God, we cannot clear ourselves of blame for we are sinners. However, God has absolved our guilt for our sins by sending Jesus to die on the cross.

4) Indignation - anger aroused by something unjust or wicked

To apply this we want God or the person to whom we are repenting or apologizing to or seeking the forgiveness of to perceive that we are angered by our wrongful words or behavior.

5) Longing - an intense wish to make it right

To apply this we want God or the person to whom we are repenting or apologizing to or seeking the forgiveness of to perceive that we desire to make things between them and us.

6) Zeal - enthusiasm; hearty and persistent effort

To apply this we want the person to whom we are repenting or apologizing to or seeking the forgiveness of to perceive that we are intensely interested and will continue in spite of any and all opposition to make amends with them.

7) Avenge Wrong - to satisfy incorrect immoral, inappropriate, unjust, unfair treatment or behavior

To apply this we want the person to whom we are repenting or apologizing to or seeking the forgiveness of to perceive that we will do anything to fulfill the desires, expectations, needs, or demands of the person whom we have offended in order to bring them full contentment and ease their mind.