When I say the three little words that can change everything, I am not talking about ‘I love you.’ Rather, something just as powerful and significant in life, ‘I am sorry.’

When we acknowledge our wrongdoings, we need to speak them out and allow others to hear our innermost cry, especially God. We need to embrace their forgiveness and move forward in the way God leads.

Moving from the place you so stubbornly knew was the right one at the time is hard. Being able to come out of a place, situation or mindset that is not God-driven is often difficult.

Let us look at Jesus’ parable of the son coming home; not often viewed in this context, but rings true to where pride can lead and how God can lead us back.

“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.” (Luke 15:13, New International Version)

The son, so blinded by his own want in the situation, headed out in eagerness. His ways, though he knew they were wrong, lead to a place of satisfaction for a short time. Much like our own situations in which we argue our point so adamantly or are unwavering in our decisions that we cannot hear those around us warning us otherwise.

It makes us feel good in the moment, but what follows is certain regret.

“So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.” (Luke 15:15-16, NIV)

When we finally realize our ways were not, in fact, right….we sit in our own pity before turning our focus to what we know God is calling us to do. Have you ever found yourself in the wrong and even still, because of pride, stayed put. God has called us to acknowledge our ways, repent and seek to right our wrongs. Our journey is full of twists and turns and this is one way to make the path straight again.

“When he came to his senses, he said…’I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father. (Luke 15:17-20, NIV)

The difficulty in saying you are sorry comes with the overwhelming feeling of unreservedness. A feeling that even if you were to say you are sorry, the person you open up to will not accept your heartfelt apology. The son in Jesus’ parable however made a decision to move forward in what God called him to do. So can you.

“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ (Luke 15: 21, NIV)

What does this look like as a wife? Many of us can say we have had the argument with our husbands about splitting chores, miscommunicated plans and even heated discussions about financials. And you know what, even when we see we are wrong….its hard to admit it to someone we live with every day.

There is just something about admitting it, coming to them with the intention of saying sorry only to turn around and let it simmer a bit more inside the both of you. But forgiveness is just around the corner for you, from not only your husband, but God as well.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. (Luke 15:20, NIV)

Learning to return to where God wants you, regardless of pride, is essential to moving forward in your relationship with your husband daily. Say you are sorry and run back into the arms of those that love you regardless of all else - your husband and God.

The Power in Saying Sorry