Illustration: Apologies, Forgiveness

In the washroom of his London club, British newspaper publisher and politician William Beverbrook happened to meet Edward Heath, then a young member of Parliament, about whom Beverbrook had printed an insulting editorial a few days earlier.

"My dear chap," said the publisher, embarrassed by the encounter, "I've been thinking it over, and I was wrong. Here and now, I wish to apologize."

"Very well," grunted Heath, "but the next time, I wish you'd insult me in the washroom and apologize in your newspaper."

Forgiveness between people isn't perfect. In fact, it is often a messy process that leaves both sides feeling hurt; but God's forgiveness for us is perfect. Psalms 103:12 states, "As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." If you go to God with your sins, He promises to forgive you.

(Turning Point Daily Devotional, 11/14/03)