Dear Family and Friends of First UMC of Torrance
I would like to start my article for this month of February with a question. What are the three most important words in English for you? Some may pick “I love you” as the most important words in English, while others may think of “I thank you” as the most important words.
The three most important words for me are “I am sorry.” The problem with those three words is that they are emptied of significance if not followed by three other equally important words: “Please forgive me.” Three more words that should probably be slotted between these three-word expressions are, “I was wrong.” Three sets of three words each. And aside from these, there are even more words to be used and spoken in our relationships with God and others.
As we begin the Lenten season, let’s remind ourselves that this is the time to seek restoration of our relationship with God. Before we ask for God’s forgiveness, we need to reconcile with our neighbors, because when we offend our brothers and sisters, we offend God. For the healing and restoration of our relationships, I am preaching on The Five Languages of Apology during this season of Lent.
The preaching schedule with The Five Languages is as follows:
I AM SORRY, Sunday, February 26
I WAS WRONG, Sunday, March 5
WHAT CAN I DO TO MAKE IT RIGHT?, Sunday, March 12
I WILL TRY NOT TO DO THAT AGAIN, Sunday, March 19
WILL YOU PLEASE FORGIVE ME, Sunday, March 26
Before you meditate during these seasonal prayers, think about it. You and I all need to mend a tear in the fabric of love and our relationships. However, there is no point in trying to fake an apology, as it doesn’t help us at all. When we are willing to admit wrongdoings and are eager to accept forgiveness, there will be genuine healing and restoration in our relationships.
So come to the Lord with a broken spirit and a contrite heart. God is waiting and willing to forgive our sins and help us mend our broken relationship.
As Norman Cousins once said, “Life is an adventure in forgiveness.” Yes, we are on a new journey of forgiving and being forgiven. Praise God.
In the Grace of Christ, Pastor Jacob