Table Talks: How to Be a BFFSample

Table Talk 4: Learn to Say, “I’m Sorry!”

Say This: Let me tell you a story about Sam and John. Sam had been saving his money to buy a gigantic ice cream cone at the Ice Cream Shoppe. The day finally came when he could go get his triple-decker-waffle-cone ice cream. As he was standing outside enjoying his ice cream, John walked by but wasn't paying attention and ran into Sam, knocking his ice cream out of his hand, onto the ground. John didn't see this happened and kept walking.

Ask This: Who was in the wrong? Why?

Ask This: What should the person in the wrong have said? (I’m Sorry!)

Ask This: Why is it important to say, “I’m Sorry!” when we make a mistake or do/say something that hurts or offends someone?

Ask This: When should we say, “I’m Sorry!” after we make a mistake?

Ask This: Why is it important to apologize quickly and not let things go unsettled?

Say This: When we offend someone or hurt their feelings we need to be quick to apologize. Did you know that by not apologizing, God prefers that we work things out with the other person before trying to worship and engage with Him? Ask someone to read Matthew 5:23, 24.

Say This: The Bible teaches us that we should make things right between us and the person we have hurt or offended, so that we don’t interrupt our friendship with God. Remember, loving him and others is very important to God.

Do This: Take a napkin or piece of paper and write, “I’m Sorry!” Ask, “Which of these letters is the most important letter?” (Allow for guesses and explanations.)

Say This: The most important letter is the letter “I”. When we apologize, we need to be sure to say, “I’m Sorry!” and not just “Sorry!”. Why do you think that’s important? Do you think it’s important to say what you’re sorry for or is just saying, “I’m Sorry!’ enough?

Do This: Watch the rest of the video to see how the story ends.

Pray This: Heavenly Father, help us to be a family who is quick to apologize when we hurt someone’s feelings or offend someone. We know that not saying, “I’m Sorry!” hurts your feelings and we don’t want to do that either. We are grateful that you have forgiven us for our mistakes, so help us to be quick to forgive quickly also. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.