Scripture Reference: Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16.
In a relationship, whilst the forgiveness could either be in order to free yourself from the prison of hurt, or probably because you love your spouse enough to forgive, or maybe even because the word of God orders it; an apology is simply a show of how much you cherish your relationship above your ego.
Some people, rather than apologizing, tend to defend themselves in a way that is even more offensive than the original offense
This was a major difference between David and Saul. When Saul got confronted by Samuel for doing wrong, he immediately put up a defense and made an excuse for himself. God left him that very day! David, on the other hand, was always quick to tear his clothes and repent. That is why despite his flaws, God called him a man after his heart.
Your relationship will never reach its full potential if you do not learn to apologize. It takes a strong person to say sorry and an even stronger person to forgive.
Daily digest: James 5:1-20
Prayer: Father, I receive the grace to cherish my relationship with my spouse above my ego.