Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! Psalm 51:1–2
Loving Father, few things are as attractive as genuine humility, as reflected in David’s song of repentance and grace. It’s like a five-course meal in a five-star bistro. When someone offers a contrite heart, takes responsibility for their failure, acknowledges the impact of their choice, asks to be forgiven, and seeks to make restitution—there’s no restaurant on the face of the earth that can offer up more exquisite cuisine.
Yet, Lord, when it comes to asking for forgiveness, too often we’re like short-order cooks in a fast-food drive through. We say things like, “I’m sorry, but you took what I said all wrong.” “I’m sorry, but if you weren’t so sensitive, it wouldn’t be that big of a deal.” “I’m sorry, but if you understood what my last couple of weeks were like, you’d cut me some slack.” “I’m sorry, but you know what kind of home I grew up in. I didn’t get the ‘relationship chip.’” “I’m sorry, but that’s just your reality.”
Father, as I pore over your Word, I don’t see a single place where the phrase “I’m sorry, but” is celebrated as the vocabulary of genuine humility and loving well. Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on me. May your unfailing love, lavished on us in Jesus, free us from all “I’m sorry, buts.” Give us the grace, courage and freedom to simply say: “Will you forgive me? I can see I really hurt you. What do you need from me? Tell me more about how my words and actions made you feel. I’m genuinely sorry and I offer no qualifiers, just an apology.”
What would be a clearer sign of the Spirit’s work in our marriages, churches and friendships than fresh expressions of your reconciling love? We know that in Jesus, all of our sins have already been forgiven—past, present, and future; sins of thought, word, and deed. May such good news compel us to humble ourselves and ask forgiveness of one another. Don’t let us live today mindless or indifferent to the ways our sin impacts others. How we praise you for your steadfast love and abundant mercy. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ compassionate and mighty name.
