The Theology of the Apology

The Bible exhorts us to strive for peace, so far it depends on us (Romans 12,18). Sometimes we find ourselves in a situation where we offended, hurt or willfully sinned against someone else, where we need to apologize. Both apologies and forgiveness start in the hart, where a change of heart is needed for the offender, and the heart of the offended needs to be moved (that is what compassion is). Yet, how can we be sure that the words spoken as an apology reflect a change of heart and show true repentance? And does forgiveness depend on the depth of our repentance? In the parable of the Prodigal Son the Lord Jesus speaks to these questions in the context of sinners who repent and turn to God, with some practical applications for apologies and forgiveness between people.