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I was two-thirds finished with this article when I heard a beautiful true story of forgiveness. Since that's the topic we're on right now, I thought I might as well take the time to rewrite a few things as it was just too perfect not to include.

Let's call the people in the story Annie, Beatrice, and Claire. (It took me way too long to decide on these names.) Annie and Beatrice's families were jolly good friends until the “incident.” Beatrice hurt Annie, severing their relationship and halting their interaction. Years went by. During that time, Annie grew in the Lord, resulting in her letting go of the pain and anger surrounding the situation.

One normal ole day while running errands around town, Annie heard someone calling her name. When she turned around, there was Beatrice. God had also been doing some work on Beatrice. With that and some godly encouragement by Claire (someone who cared about both of these people), Beatrice told Annie she had messed up and was sorry. Would Annie please forgive her? Annie said she already had, and as they embraced Annie could feel the heavy burden leaving Beatrice. Ah, love that.

Previously, we talked about forgiving others. This time we'll be discussing asking for forgiveness - we're Beatrice. As I've been thinking on this topic and then on hearing this story, something hit me like a ton of bricks…or feathers - it doesn't matter as they both weigh the same - Ha! Sorry, I know that's an old joke. Now where was I… Oh yes, forgiveness.

I'll be honest - I don't especially like asking for forgiveness. I don't like being in Beatrice's position. You'd think I'd be good at it with as imperfect as I am, but alas, that whole humbling myself and admitting I'm wrong thing isn't particularly my favorite. That's what struck me - pride and its influence on us asking for forgiveness.

Our pride keeps us from admitting we're wrong or it slows us down doing so. When we don't apologize there's a mental “holding together” that takes place - it's like putting on and wearing a corset. It's in that we try to convince ourselves we're in the right and basically don't need to apologize. Frankly, it's exhausting, confining, and uncomfortable because we have to put on that corset every time the situation makes an appearance. It's in laying aside our pride and apologizing that we find freedom from that binding and all the mental acrobatics. Think of the release Beatrice felt when she came out from under that. No longer would she have to avoid Annie or try to convince herself that what she did was okay.

Pride can also keep us from doing a good job when asking for forgiveness. Through the years I've come to realize that not only do I not like to apologize, but I don't always do a very good job of it. Are you good at apologizing?

I have to be careful while apologizing not to point out the wrong the other party did: “I'm sorry I…, but you…” I'm thinking if Beatrice would've made this sort of comment, things wouldn't have ended in a hug,...maybe a slug. (Wow - jokes and rhyming words today.)

Do you have a “Claire” in your life? Do your “friends” encourage you to hold onto pride, tightening the corset you're wearing, or do they encourage you to turn towards humility, Jesus, and healing? It makes a big difference who we give voice to in our lives.

While reading this article, has someone come to mind that you need to apologize to? Ask God what course of action He'd have you take. I've written letters, made phone calls, and other times I just happened to “bump” into someone deserving a long awaited apology. Invite God into the situation and follow His leading.

I'm sure I don't have to tell you that people may reject our apologies. Not everyone is like Annie, pursuing Jesus and freedom from bitterness. People may still remain angry and not like us even after the perfect apology. We can't determine if they'll forgive us, but we can be responsible for our part and do the right thing anyway.

We've had a couple light-hearted moments today, but now I want to get serious. I think the big reason God put pride on my mind concerning this topic was because of this: Pride is keeping people from humbling themselves before Him and seeking the life-giving forgiveness and mercy only Jesus can provide. This is one reason why God hates pride - it keeps people away from Him.

If that's you, if you've had a difficult time approaching God and saying you need Jesus, don't hesitate a moment longer. God will not humiliate you or chastise you as you lay aside your excuses and reach out to Him. Just as Annie was no longer angry with Beatrice, know that God isn't mad at you. God sent Jesus to take care of the “incident” that caused the rift in the relationship. It's been dealt with. God is ready to embrace you with open arms and lift that suffocating burden that you've been living with for far too long. Simply call His name.

“And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved,” (Acts 2:21, NIV).