What Makes an Apology Sincere?

  An apology is an overt act of expressing regret and sorrow for a behavior that resulted in pain and suffering for another person. An apology must display remorse and repentance. Listen to Philippians 2:3: “Don’t be selfish, but rather be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself.”

Selfish ambition blocks an apology from reaching a positive outcome because the best interest of the offended person is missing. For instance if an apology is just to stave off guilt, then restoration will be incomplete. If a victim views an apology as insincere, then hope for a relationship to be restored is lost.

A sincere apology is offered for the good of the offended person. Most people are humble enough to respond graciously when an apology is offered, for it takes humility for an offense to be forgiven. If you are reluctant to be humble, remember Jesus humbled himself and died on the cross just for you.  

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“God opposes everyone who is proud, but he is kind to everyone who is humble.” 

~James 4: 6 Contemporary English Version    

 Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.  

~Ephesians 4:2 The Living Bible

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God's Word – a Safeguard Against Temptation

 Ambition plays a crucial role whenever an individual sets out to achieve an important goal in life. Without ambition there would be little motivation to endure the struggle and sacrifices that all important objectives demand. God designed humans with an innate need to be productive and creative.

However, ambition is not always driven by a desire to benefit the world for good. Sometimes it is propelled by a selfish need to promote and advance oneself. Yet Jonas Salk dedicated his life to creating a vaccine that would stamp out the polio virus that had killed and crippled thousands of children and adults. Because of his ambition, millions have been vaccinated since 1955.

Philippians 2:3 issues this warning: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourself.” This admonition is a safeguard against being pulled into temptation’s cutting edge. If this identifies you, return to Christ Jesus. Seek his forgiveness. He’s waiting for you.           

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I have thought much about your words, and stored them in my heart so that they would hold me back from sin.

~Psalm 119:11 The Living Bible

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Selfish Ambition vs. Sacrificial Giving

SELFISHNESS can be an automatic, protective mindset and behavior when danger is apparent. Most often, however, it’s motivated by greed designed to satisfy deeper needs. Jacob wanted his brother’s birthright.  His attitude was, “I want all that's mine and what belongs to you.” He wanted his brother’s position and prestige.

What drives a person to develop a selfish disposition? Reckless ambition characterized Jacob’s life even though he had everything he needed. So instead of being greedy for more wealth, he wanted the acknowledgement that ownership of Esau’s birthright would give him. He would not live his life in obscurity by being in second place.

Jacob did not love his brother. Selfish ambition blindsided moral responsibility. He was thinking only of himself. Selfishness driven by greed grabs whatever is wanted. Jesus said, “Give and it shall be given to you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together will others give to you.” This is a basic life principle to live by.