Wednesday, February 22, 2006

apologies

A couple of weeks a ago I hurt one of my really good friends feelings. This really bothered me when I realized that something I had said caused the problem. So the first time I saw my buddy I told him how sorry I was that I had hurt him, that it was unintentional, that I loved him deeply, and wanted his forgiveness. I told him that I had been insensitive, and that I didn't have a problem apologizing, because I get to do it frequently and I'm practiced up. One thing he told me really made sense. He said that it wasn't so much that what I said that hurt him, but that he allowed what I said to hurt him. I thought this was quite a profound statement that showed great wisdom. Our relationship was repaired and we haven't spoke about it since.

This blog is not intended as a political, moral, or theological statement of any kind. It is simply a way for me to keep my close friends and family updated on what's going on. Most of the people that participate here know me well. They know my heart. They know my life. They know my calling. They even understand my sometimes strange sense of humor.

It has recently come to my attention that one of my blog readers and fellow church member took offense at a recent comment in a post about interesting ways to light the olympic flame. What I thought was an innocuous post; they were offended by. I really wished they would have come to me personally to speak with me about this matter, but they didn't. I had to hear about it from a third party. I try to deal with disagreements according to a few guidlines that I see in scripture.

Matthew 5:23-24 (NLT)

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

Matthew 18:15-17 (NLT)

15"If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the fault. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. 16But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses.


To my friend I've offended:
Obviously, I don't know who you are because you won't come to me personally, but I want to be reconciled with you. I guess this blog is the only opportunity I have. I'm going to save us both some time by not trying to convince you that your wrong, and I'm right. I'm just going to say, "I'm sorry." I'm not perfect nor do I claim to be. If you knew me better, you would realise how well I know this.

If you wish to discuss this further, or you need to lay into me a little, I encourage you to call me so I can apologize personally.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

if the church were full of more people who were willing to, in humility, ask for forgiveness as well as give it away, what an amazing place this would be! good for you Geron. I am proud to be your friend.

Anonymous said...

I thank God for a godly husband, despite your ideosyncrisies. (Sp?) I know your heart perhaps better than anyone and I love you for who you are. Maybe your humor isn't always understood, but I have no doubt that the person behind the offbeat jokes loves the Lord with his whole heart and desires for others to know how much the Lord cares for them. I love you, Geron.

Anonymous said...

geron..

good for you for wanting to handle this His way instead of "our" way. it's been a long time since we last talked, but i remember geron brown as a person full of love. and i'm sure you still are! as i keep reading your blog i'm reminded of the love that God has for us. but not just from your posts...i get that from the comments as well! i know you are a wonderful servant of Him, and in handling this the right way, you will be blessed.

Anonymous said...

wow. alternative torch-lighting techniques. i wish i had seen that one before it got deleted.

oh well, i agree with your decision wholeheartedly. it's better to not offend anyone for mere off-beat comedy. i hope no one gets hurt over anything trivial.

Anonymous said...

I am proud to know you, Geron. I think that you have an amazing heart that God will continue to use to bless all those around you.

And by the way, I love your humor. Keep making me laugh, man.

Anonymous said...

This has nothing to do with your post. Only noticed and wanted to tell you quickly before forgotten that Shlog wants to be linked with you since you have him as a link. Check out his most recent post.

Anonymous said...

I'm proud of you for taking the approach to this misunderstanding that you have. Your scripture references make apologizing the responsibility of both the offended and the offendee.

I heard a great lady preacher once say, "apologizing does not make them right and you wrong nor does it make you right and them wrong, but it does make you 'free'"

I'd rather be "free" than to be "right" any time.

I'm proud to be connected to you.

Love,

Dad