Today I drove through a beautiful residential area in downtown Elmhurst, Illinois. The houses were huge. The lawns well groomed. All the garbage cans matched. Everything seemed perfect – like something you’d see in a magazine.

Just as I was about to turn the corner, a huge handmade sign caught my attention. Emblazoned on the sign for everyone to see was one word: SORRY. Obviously someone living in that home felt the need to apologize.

Maybe there was dispute between the husband and wife. Perhaps there were harsh words exchanged with a neighbor. Or possibly a teenager left in a huff after fighting with their parents. Whatever the reason, someone living in that home obviously felt the need for reconciliation.

Ever feel like that?

I sure do.

Often, in our human state we collide with others. We get angry. We’re rebuffed. We feel slighted, or jealous, or _________ (you fill in the blank). And yet, we are called to be like Jesus in all situations. And so time and again, we must humble ourselves and seek forgiveness. The Holy Bible says in Matthew 5:23-25 "So if you are standing before the altar in the Temple, offering a sacrifice to God, and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, …leave your sacrifice there beside the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.” (New Living Translation)

In essence, the above verse is saying, if you’re trying to worship in church but know that things aren’t right between you and your spouse, or you and your pastor, or you and friend then stop and apologize! Whoa, that’s a pretty tall order isn’t it? But, if we all did just that, then the sun would never go down on our wrath (Ephesians 4:26) and we would be blessed beyond our wildest dreams.

So today, I challenge you – and myself –to stop now. Drop to your knees and pray. Then run right and apologize to anyone who may be grieved with you. And in so doing, you will strengthen the church, bless yourself and delight the Lord of glory!