Is this the first time Clark apologized to Lex for something like this?
As far as I can recall, it's the first time he's ever said the words. The closest he's come to expressing the sentiment in the past was in Exposed when he went over to Lex's at the end of the episode to thank Lex for providing the lead that made it possible for Clark, Chloe and Lois to prove Senator Jenkins didn't kill Melissa Page. But Lex called him out then for the way he jumped to conclusions and Clark didn't actually say "I'm sorry." This is the first time he's said it, as opposed to just acting like it.
it is important for Clark to make amends to people he hurt, even if he doesn't like them.
It's easy to be nice to the people you (general 'you') love and like, but I think it's a real measure of character if you can show grace towards people you don't like when it's warranted. There's a reason, after all, that compassion is considered a virtuous trait.
Re: part II
As far as I can recall, it's the first time he's ever said the words. The closest he's come to expressing the sentiment in the past was in Exposed when he went over to Lex's at the end of the episode to thank Lex for providing the lead that made it possible for Clark, Chloe and Lois to prove Senator Jenkins didn't kill Melissa Page. But Lex called him out then for the way he jumped to conclusions and Clark didn't actually say "I'm sorry." This is the first time he's said it, as opposed to just acting like it.
it is important for Clark to make amends to people he hurt, even if he doesn't like them.
It's easy to be nice to the people you (general 'you') love and like, but I think it's a real measure of character if you can show grace towards people you don't like when it's warranted. There's a reason, after all, that compassion is considered a virtuous trait.