Peyton Manning is one of my favorite athletes of all time. Although I didn't think I could be a bigger fan of his, a tremendous story involving him and football official, Butch Hannah, added to my respect for him.
Retiring after 30 years, Hannah revealed he had a surprising interaction with Manning when he was playing for the Broncos. Hannah told this story to the Chattanooga Times Free Press:
“I called back two Denver touchdowns. But they pulled it out by two or three points <39-36>. But late in the game, the clock about to run out, Peyton mistimed a snap and they had to run one more play.“Peyton said something off-color to me, which was not at all like him. I told him, ‘Peyton, you’re better than that.'”
Hannah went on to explain that a few weeks later he received a FedEx package in the mail from Manning, which included a letter asking if he would accept his apology for reacting the way he did during that game. In all of his years of officiating, Hannah said nothing like that had ever happened to him. He also shared that Manning went a step further by coming up to him before a preseason game a few months later to ask if he'd gotten his letter. Hannah told him, “Peyton, you’ve got to let this go.” Peyton replied, “You have no idea how upset I was with myself.” The legend of Peyton Manning continues, and I hope this story is an encouragement to all of us today. Genuinely apologizing to others can be difficult, but it’s important and impactful because it opens the door for both sides to experience freedom and healing. We must battle against our pride and humble ourselves to admit when we do something wrong and hurt someone else. Reconciliation always begins with “I’m sorry” – even though the ways we blew it can’t be undone. Of course, it takes the other side being willing to forgive, but it’s our role to initiate the attempt to make things right with an apology. The Bible tells us in Matthew 5:23-24 (AMP), “So if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and while there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there at the altar and go. First, make peace with your brother, and then come and present your offering.”
Proverbs 14:9 (NLT) says, “Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation.”
Today, let’s be willing to say we’re “sorry” and apologize for our mistakes as we continue to pursue holiness and integrity. When we do, we can experience peace with others and enhanced fellowship with God.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please give me the strength to admit my faults and the times I hurt people. I pray my pride doesn't get in the way and that humility drives me to reconciliation. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen. Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What has been the hardest apology you've ever given?
What apology do you know you need to make...and what is holding you back?
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