APOLOGY HOTLINE

At the heart of all conflict is a selfish heart.

Leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. —Matthew 5:24

What do you suppose would happen if this world were to create a world-wide 911 Apology Hotline?  Wouldn’t that be awesome! We have in-place now an emergency 911 for fires, sickness, crime, animal cruelty, terrorism, and murder (which comes under crime), but absolutely nothing for apology.  Why is that?  Perhaps now would be a good time to explore the idea.

I recently read an old 2008 "Daily Bread" story about a gentleman by the name of Jesse Jacobs. Jacob’s story so intrigued me that I thought I’d explore his original idea of an apology hotline before sharing the story with you.

In his story (Oh, I must mention that Jacobs created an apology hotline), the hotline was made so it was possible for callers to apologize without talking to the person wronged. Sounds pretty good, right?  You don’t have to face the individual! Kool!  Noooooooooo, friends; don’t say that. Please don’t. Remember, a believer of Christ, and that means we can do ‘all’ things through Christ who strengthens us.... even face those we’ve hurt; yes; it will be hard, but doesn’t that make it all worth -while?  Of course it does.

So, what we have in Jesse Jacobs’ story, people who were unable or unwilling to unburden their conscience in person would call the hotline and leave a message on an answering machine. Each week, 30 to 50 calls are logged, as people apologize for things from adultery to embezzlement.  This is what Jacobs said: “The hotline offers partici-pants a chance to alleviate their guilt and, to some degree, to own up to their misdeeds.”

The apology hotline 'may seem' to offer some relief from guilt, but this is not how Jesus instructed His followers to handle conflict.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told us to deal with conflict by taking the initiative and going to the offended brother to apologize for the offense (see also Matt. 18). Plus, Jesus teaches us that the problem of human estrangement is so serious that we should even interrupt our worship to go on a personal mission of reconciliation (Matt. 5:24). WOW! Oh, to be like Jesus! Christ Jesus encouraged His followers to be reconciled with one another eagerly, aggressively, quickly, and personally (v.25). Hey, I’d say this calls for a 911 Apology Hotline, wouldn’t you?

·         God cannot prosper those who try to cover sin and wrong deny; But all who humbly will confess, the Savior with His love will bless.  —D. De Haan 

 Here’s What Jesus taught:

Matthew 5:21-26 (NIV)

21 "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.

23 "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

25 "Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 I tell you the truth; you will not get out until you have paid the last penny. ..."

In Christ,

Janet Irene Thomas

Playwright/Screen Writer/Director

Published Author/Gospel Lyricist &Producer

FOUNDER/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts