Recently, I was watching a favorite show of mine (Lark Rise to Candleford) in which one character spoke rashly out of emotion, closing a door in her life. I, as the viewer, was frustrated because it seemed there was never to be a happy ending to the post mistress's story. By the end of the episode, however, she approached the gentleman (who is her love interest) and said six little words: "I believe I spoke in haste". I was struck by the power of that phrase. She didn't try to take back that she had spoken or what she had said. She, Dorcas, humbly admitted that she had spoken "in haste" which re-opened the door that was closed by her own words.
In life, it is easy to speak first, think later. Our words go far beyond our own lives to the lives of those we speak to and to those that hear. Once said, they can not be un-said. Repeatedly, I have felt regret in my soul for words that slipped so easily off my tongue, realizing, upon hearing them, that speaking the words gave life to them. Sometimes, at the moment, I have thought that I believed what I said; other times, I have lashed out in anger, intending harm by words I did not mean even as I said them.
Words can wound and words can bind. Though I can not recall it for sure, I believe there is an old adage with words very similar to my previous sentence. It is easy to speak the harsh words, but hard to eat humble pie as we approach him whom we have hurt or insulted. I suggest that Dorcas be an example to us in situations where we have done the wrong and where we need to be the one apologizing. Eat the humble pie, bow our heads in contrition, look the wounded (or offended) in the eyes, and honestly admit the wrong doing.
Our words can wound relationships with our fellow man and with our Lord. Whether you say to your sibling: "I spoke in haste" or to your Lord: "Oh, My LORD, I spoke in haste", forgiveness is there. Pray daily for the humility to know when to apologize and how to do it humbly.
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