92: Quickly apologizing: a principle that’s changed our marriage

When Neil and I worked a 12-step program years ago, we both took on a serious commitment to “continue to take personal inventory, and when you’re wrong, promptly admit it.” 

This COMMITMENT has completely changed our relationship for the better. But it’s not always easy! And it certainly doesn’t come naturally for me. 

Today, we’re sharing a few stories from our own MARRIAGE of how we’ve applied this, exactly what it looks, feels, and sounds like, and how it can change all of your relationships for the better too.

The rent is so high when you hold on to pride or resentment. While the payout is so huge when you learn to apologize to the people you love as QUICKLY as possible, and just let love conquer pride, even (and especially) when you’re not at fault. 

In this episode, you will hear:

Saying “I was wrong” is often just as important as saying “I love you” in healing a relationship. 

A commitment to take responsibility for mistakes

The great enemy of charity is pride.

Pride is one of the biggest reasons marriages and families struggle.

Especially when you are not at fault, let love conquer pride. 

Cleaning up your side of the street, figuring out where you did wrong in the situation

Selfishness is one of the more common faces of pride.

Don’t try to be perfect, try to be better.

There is so much peace and happiness waiting on the other side of an apology.

The central feature of pride is enmity toward God and enmity toward our fellow men. 

Satan's trick is to make us feel like we're getting something out of being resentful or being right or holding on to pride or anger.

Supporting Resources:

Talk by Dieter F. Uchtdorf “In Praise of Those Who Save”

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2016/04/in-praise-of-those-who-save?lang=eng

The Church of Jesus Christ’s Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) Manual

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/addiction-recovery-program-a-guide-to-addiction-recovery-and-healing?lang=eng

Talk by Ezra Taft Benson “Beware of Pride”

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1989/04/beware-of-pride?lang=eng

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Episode Credits

Produced by Emerald City Productions

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