2015) There are times when my young scholars get into scuffles and as I help guide them through making things right with each other, I will ask one or both to apologize. Sometimes these apologies are forceful and curt and some may say this is a wasted requirement. I don’t think so because I’m teaching them the habit of apology, so when they are out of the situation, they may think about its value.  

These types of things entered my head when I read 2 Corinthians 9:7. Here, Paul tells us when we give, do it from the heart, not because we are required to or feel a social obligation. Why? Because God loves a cheerful giver.  

Sometimes we need to go through the motions of giving apologies or anything else, but if that’s all we’re doing, perhaps it would be better not to give.