A Pastor’s Guide to Saying “I’m Sorry”

The Quiet Strength in Apologizing

A woman saying "I'm sorry to a friend"

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.  – James 5:1

I’ll let you in on a secret: pastors mess up, too. Over the years, I’ve learned that one of the hardest—and holiest—words to say is “sorry.”

Just the other day, I spoke too quickly and realized I’d hurt a friend’s feelings. My pride whispered, “Let it go.” But the Holy Spirit nudged me, “No, Dick. Say the word.”

Humility: Not Just for Sundays

Apologizing isn’t fun for anybody, but it’s a gift—like a reset button for our hearts and our relationships.

When we admit we’re wrong, walls come down. Healing grows in the cracks. I’ve found people respect honesty more than perfection.

Besides, my wife says, “It’s good practice—I get to use it a lot!”

Grace Flows Through Honesty

The beautiful thing about grace is it always meets us where we are: humble, honest, sometimes embarrassed.

And when we’re quick to say “I’m sorry,” we look a whole lot more like Jesus.

Next time you find yourself needing to make amends, remember—it’s not weakness, but courage, that admits a mistake. And God’s grace covers the rest.

Questions to Ponder:

Is there anyone I need to apologize to today, even for something small?

How might God’s grace show up in my relationships when I choose honesty?

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