Yes, a person should never be too proud to swallow his pride, apologize, and seek forgiveness.
Abigail, a wise woman in ancient Israel, provides an example of the power of an apology, although her apology was for a wrong that her husband had committed.
While dwelling in the wilderness, David, who later became king of Israel, together with his men protected the flock that belonged to Abigail's husband, Nabal.
Yet, when David's young men asked for bread and water, Nabal sent them away with very insulting remarks.
Provoked, David led about 400 men to go up against Nabal and his household.
Upon learning of the situation, Abigail set out to meet David. When she saw him, she fell upon her face at his feet. Then she said: "Upon me myself, O my lord, be the error; and, please, let your slave girl speak in your ears, and listen to the words of your slave girl." Abigail then explained the situation and gave David a gift of food and drink.
Abigail's humble attitude along with her words of apology for her husband's rude behavior spared her household.
David even thanked her for restraining him from entering into bloodguilt.
Although it was not Abigail who had mistreated David and his men, she accepted the blame for her family and made peace with David.
At that, he said: "Go up in peace to your house. See, I have listened to your voice that I may have consideration for your person."1 Samuel 25:2-35.
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Another example of someone who knew when to apologize is the apostle Paul.
Once, he had to defend himself before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high court.
Infuriated by Paul's honest words, the high priest Ananias ordered those standing by Paul to strike him on the mouth.
At that, Paul said to him: "God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall. Do you at one and the same time sit to judge me in accord with the Law and, transgressing the Law, command me to be struck?" When onlookers accused Paul of reviling the high priest, the apostle immediately admitted his error, saying: "Brothers, I did not know he was high priest. For it is written, 'You must not speak injuriously of a ruler of your people.'"Acts 23:1-5.
What Paul had saidthat the one appointed as judge should not resort to violencewas valid.
Still, he apologized for unknowingly speaking to the high priest in a manner that could be viewed as being disrespectful.*
Paul's apology paved the way for the Sanhedrin to listen to what he had to say.
Since Paul was aware of the controversy among the members of the court, he told them that he was being tried for his belief in the resurrection. Consequently, much dissension arose, with the Pharisees siding with Paul.Acts 23:6-10.
What can we learn from these two Biblical examples? In both instances, honest expressions of regret opened the way for further communication. So words of apology can help us to make peace.
When we find out that someone was offended by what we said or did, we may feel that the person is being unreasonable or too sensitive. Yet, Jesus Christ advised his disciples: "If, then, you are bringing your gift to the altar and you there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar, and go away; first make your peace with your brother, and then, when you have come back, offer up your gift."Matthew 5:23, 24.
For example, a brother may feel that you have sinned against him. In such a situation, Jesus says that you are to go and "make your peace with your brother," whether you feel you have done him wrong or not.
The issue is, not so much who is right and who is wrong, but who will take the initiative to make peace.