Atonement

"I'm sorry." Those two little words can be the beginning of wonderful things. They could comfort a hurt, mend a friendship, even change someone's life. When I was growing up, just a quick "I'm sorry" would not be enough. Mom would ask, "What are you sorry for?" I remember thinking, But Mom! You know what I'm sorry for! Do I have to actually say it? I struggled with it, but would find a way to choke out the offense, which was painful to admit. And honestly, painful to hear.

Mom's question taught me a big lesson. Now, I do my best to always explain the why behind my sorry's. It means more. It shows that I've put thought into it, and want to make things right. I'm not saying it's easy; it can be downright hard to admit when I've said something wrong or had a "dummy moment." But it's worth it, worth setting down my pride and admitting my mistake. Because after the "I'm sorry" comes the mending and repairing. 

What amazes me is what Jesus did for us. Jesus never sinned. He never had to apologize. He suffered and died, knowing that His life would save us from our mistakes, from our sins. He knew, even as He was dying, that we would still have moments we would regret, and things we would need to apologize for. But He did it anyway because He loves us so much. Talk about true atonement. 

"... he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."  Hebrews 2:17-18