Often, a brilliant come-back will fly out of my mouth, all too quickly escalating an argument. I just have to be right, and I love to have the last word! I realize this is a flaw; I’m just being honest.

The fact is, you never really WIN an argument. When it becomes a knock-down, drag-out you BOTH lose.

In a family, we have many opportunities to practice saying, “I’m sorry!” However, not just any apology will do; it must be sincere.

How to Apologize with Sincerity

• Express regret and take responsibility! Don’t say, “I’m sorry, but you…”
• Make restitution. Ask your family member, “How can I make it right?”
• Genuinely repent. True repentance brings a change in behavior.
• Request forgiveness. “Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?”

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32