Apology Message Examples for Letters or Cards

Having to apologize can be one of the most difficult things a person has to do.  Figuring out the wording to say sorry can be the toughest part of the apology. The following are examples of what you can write in a card or letter of apology to say sorry for something serious that you have done.

Keep in mind that when you apologize, you are asking for forgiveness but you may not get it.  Make sure to take responsibility for your actions and be sincere about what your feelings are about what you did.  Edit these and use a combination to create the perfect apology.

1. Even though I probably don’t deserve it, I want to ask for your forgiveness anyway.  I am sorry for _____.
2. I take full responsibility for my actions.  I know that I could have done things differently, but I made a poor decision that I regret now.  Please forgive me for my lack of wisdom in the situation.
3. Everyone has times where they wish they could go back and change something they have done.  Right now is one of those times for me. I totally regret what I did to hurt you and I want to ask for your forgiveness.
4. I think that I might be able to forgive myself a little easier if you found it in your heart to forgive me.  Unfortunately, I’m still battling guilt over what I have done to you.
5. I wish I could take back the words that I said to you.  I was totally out of line and what I said wasn’t true and it was totally uncalled for in the situation. I promise to never say such hurtful and untrue things to you ever again.  Please forgive me.
6. It’s sad how anger can get the best of a person and lead to hurting someone the person loves.  I love you a lot and I regret allowing my anger to get the best of me.  I am sorry, and I want you to know that I am working on my anger problem.
7. I acknowledge that what I did to you has created a deep wound to your spirit.  I don’t expect you to fully forgive me any time soon if ever.  I am apologizing to attempt to take the first step to show you that I am trying to change.  I know that your trust in me is damaged and will not be built back quickly.  Thank you for taking the time to read this apology.
8. If someone did to me what I did to you, I don’t know that I would forgive the person.  If I did forgive the person it would take some time.  Please know that I am sorry, and I do not expect your forgiveness or trust any time soon.  I hope through time we can find reconciliation.
9. What I did to you was horrible enough that I consider it a sin against you and in the eyes of God. I have confessed and asked God for forgiveness, and His grace has forgiven me.  I am sorry and am asking you to do something that I only expect God’s grace to do.  Forgive me.
10. I would like to apologize because I know that I hurt you and I don’t want you to continue to feel the pain of what I did each time you are around me.  Forgiveness can free you from those thoughts of anger and resentment toward me even if you don’t ever trust me again.

Words for Your Apology

These are words that can be used for your sorry message.  Finding the appropriate words can make a huge difference especially when the person reading your apology will likely scrutinize your word choice.

Adjectives
Stupid, ridiculous, obnoxious, pathetic, abrasive, thoughtless, hair-brained, idiotic, mean, selfish, hostile, self centered, egotistical, moronic, hurtful

Nouns
Error, misjudgment, mistake, misunderstanding, decision, choice, actions, words, behaviors, emotions, gestures, feelings, comments

Verbs
Hurt, distrusted, devalued, disappointed, shamed, embarrassed, wounded, scarred, injured, shocked, surprised, wished, betrayed, back-stabbed, promised, broke, lied, cheated, killed, stole

More apology card messages and specific apology examples