The bewildered family removed and read the mysterious note from the envelope left at their door... it read: “I am truly sorry for any pain or heartache that my actions may have caused your family. I hope you can find it in your hearts to forgive me. As an adult, I realize how sentimental items like this can be. Sincerely regretful, a dumb kid who wants to right a wrong.” Inside the envelope was four gold rings that had been stolen from the family 15 years before. Long forgotten.
A letter from a remorseful thief that was a decade overdue... Although the act of returning the rings brought closure... why the delay? Far too often we act the same way... we wait before we seek forgiveness. Sometimes too long. The Bible tells us in Matthew 5 that if we have something hanging over our heads, we should reconcile the situation quickly. Offer the apology... seek forgiveness...and then move forward. Don’t let too much time pass between the offense and the opportunity to make things right. Not only will our conscience be clean... we may save or even strengthen an existing relationship!
