Forgiveness Series: Is Texting a suitable medium for apologies?

 FORGIVENESS SERIES

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It's not inherently morally wrong to apologize by text, but there are several reasons why some people view it as less sincere or ineffective compared to other forms of communication:

1. Lack of Personal Touch: An apology is often most effective when it is personal. When you apologize in person or even over a voice call, you can convey sincerity through your tone of voice, body language, and facial expressions. These nuances can't be captured in a text.
   
   
2. Potential for Misinterpretation: Text-based communication is more prone to misunderstandings. The absence of vocal tone and inflection can cause the message to be interpreted differently than intended. What seems sincere to one person might come off as curt or insincere to another.
   
   
3. Perceived Laziness: Some may see a texted apology as taking the easy way out, especially if the wrongdoing was significant. It can appear as if the person apologizing isn’t willing to put in the effort to make amends face-to-face. This then adds to the hurt for the receiver. It also puts the receiver into the position where he/she may be led into sins which may have not been committed if the wrongdoer had apologised face to face. (eg  unkind thoughts, gossip, anger, )
   
   
4. Impersonality of the Medium: Text messaging is a very casual form of communication. For grave mistakes or deep hurts, a text is definitely inadequate.
   
   
5. Absence of Immediate Feedback: When you apologize in person, you can gauge the reaction of the other person instantly and adjust your approach if necessary. With texting, there might be a delay in response or no response at all.
   
   
6. Risk of Interruption: Texts can be overlooked, lost among other messages, or simply not received due to technical glitches. If the message doesn't get through, it can cause further strain on the relationship.

However, it's also worth noting the other side of the argument: the perceived advantages

1. Accessibility: Not everyone is always in a position to apologize face-to-face or over a phone call. In such cases, a text might be the most immediate and viable way to express remorse.  A zoom or skype call should be considered as a preferred option over texting if a face to face apology is not possible.
   
   
2. Initial Step: A texted apology can serve as an initial step to acknowledge a wrongdoing, which can then be followed by a more personal conversation later.
   
   
3. Comfort: Some people might find it easier to articulate their feelings in writing rather than speaking. For them, a text might be the most sincere form of apology. However, if the wrongdoer  finds it easier to articulate his/her feelings in writing, then he/she must take this as an opportunity for emotional and spiritual growth.  He/she must learn to love his/her neighbour in a way that is more effective.

When you have hurt someone either intentionally or unintentionally, we must still take the situation to Jesus in prayer and ask for His guidance. We must learn to be sincere in our apologies because it is an expression of loving our neighbour. We must also discern the relationship and whether or not this incident is a sign to review it.  Sometimes, we are given a blessing in disguise but because we do not discern and take the situation to Jesus in prayer, we fail to recognise the blessing in disguise.  Sometimes in fact ending a relationship after apologising appropriately is the best thing to do for both people involved.

In conclusion, the medium chosen for an apology should be appropriate for the nature of the mistake and the preferences of both individuals involved. While texting is not the best choice, it's not inherently morally wrong. The sincerity and intention behind the apology are what truly matter and both people being present face to face is best.