Some years ago, I had a falling out with a friend. The Lord convicted me that I needed to seek his forgiveness. I didn’t want to do it. But when I finally obeyed the Lord and apologized to him, he graciously forgave me. Now part of me wanted to say BUT what about what you did? We tend to like to throw in the word BUT in our apologies, don’t we? I’m sorry BUT if you hadn’t done this, then I wouldn’t have done that.  I’m sorry BUT apologies subtly tries to justify your bad behavior. Listen, if you mess up, fess up and seek forgiveness, regardless of what the other person may have done to provoke your actions.  Give a true apology, one that takes ownership of the wrong done and seeks to make it right. When you do, you’ll please God and have better relationships with people.  Now that’s Real Hope.