One of the more memorable lines from Erich Segal’s Love Story is, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.” That has a sentimental sound to it, but it certainly is not true. Love means that you have the ability to say you are sorry. The more we practice love, the better we become at saying, “I’m sorry.”

I have found that a sincere apology is a way to build bridges in broken relationships. Our godly sorrow puts us back in tune with God. “I’m sorry” can end a fight between spouses, calm a dispute between siblings, bridge a gap between a parent and a child; it can solve a misunderstanding between church members.

It has been my experience that those who practice a life of love actually become pretty good at saying, “I’m sorry”—and meaning it!

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret…”—2 Corinthians 7:10.