The Healing Power of Sincere Apologies
People offer sincere apologies for a number of reasons related both to the inner cleansing of the soul and to the restoration of relationships with others and with oneself.Firstly, a sincere apology is often driven by the desire to overcome negative emotions and a sinful state of the heart. As stated in one of the sources, “If you become angry with someone, feel resentful, take offense, or if someone irritates you and there is evil in your heart, an ill will toward that person, then you must overcome that evil and make an effort of the soul to forgive, otherwise you will remain with your sins, die, and never be able to enter the Kingdom of God” (source: link txt). This shows that acknowledging one’s guilt and offering a sincere apology becomes a way to free oneself from inner evil and its consequences.Secondly, sincere apologies are used to restore and maintain harmony in relationships. For instance, in the context of close connections, when one spouse says, “Forgive me, forgive me,” it opens up an opportunity to manifest love and mutual understanding (source: link txt). Thus, asking for forgiveness becomes a tool for deepening relationships and fostering mutual insight.It is also important to note that many people realize that by not forgiving others or by not asking for forgiveness, they deprive themselves of relief from pain and suffering. One source clearly notes, “People understand that when they are asked for forgiveness, it is sincere, and if someone does not forgive another, then this will harm themselves because they cannot rid themselves of the pain” (source: link txt). This indicates that seeking forgiveness is a way to protect oneself from the harmful consequences of holding on to grudges.Finally, the sincerity in apologies has deep roots in historical and spiritual tradition when people, living in communities and following established norms, sought to reconcile with others for the sake of collective spiritual growth and salvation (source: link txt). The desire for improvement, the will to change oneself, and the need to purify one’s soul become powerful motives for offering sincere apologies (source: link txt).Thus, the reasons for sincere apologies include the pursuit of inner cleansing, the restoration of lost harmony in relationships, the prevention of self-harm, and overall spiritual betterment. These motives help people take responsibility for their actions and embark on the path of personal and spiritual growth.Supporting citation(s):“If you become angry with someone, feel resentful, take offense, or if someone irritates you and there is evil in your heart, an ill will toward that person, then you must overcome that evil and make an effort of the soul to forgive, otherwise you will remain with your sins, die, and never be able to enter the Kingdom of God.” (source: link txt)“For instance, if either a husband or wife, whichever is wiser, says: ‘Forgive me, forgive me’ — then there is again an opportunity for the realization of understanding in love…” (source: link txt)“People understand that when they are asked for forgiveness, it is sincere, and if someone does not forgive another, then this will harm themselves because they cannot rid themselves of the pain.” (source: link txt)“And just as in ancient times, when people lived by the Church, they took the words of this wonderful Gospel out of the Church, went, and asked for forgiveness from everyone they encountered, and from those with whom they were truly in conflict.” (source: link txt)“If there is a desire for betterment, that is repentance. Betterment means towards Christ.” (source: link txt)