Relationships and family
What does the Bible say about apologising?
Scripture pairs confession with humility and restitution. A real apology names the wrong and seeks to repair it.
What Scripture says
James 5:16
“Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective.”
Proverbs 28:13
“He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”
Matthew 5:23-24
““If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
Luke 19:8
“Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, half of my goods I give to the poor. If I have wrongfully exacted anything of anyone, I restore four times as much.””
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Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. See all Bible questions or verses by topic.