When I was a little girl, I remember my sister had a pillow sitting on her bed with a quote saying, “True love is… never having to say you are sorry.’”
Really?
Well, if that’s the case…I have failed miserably in the true love department. I don’t know about you but “I’m sorry” is part of my every day vocabulary…
I must say “I’m sorry” to my husband because I said something hurtful to him.
I must say “I’m sorry” to my friend because I forgot it was her birthday.
I must say “I’m sorry to my daughter because I didn’t have time to help with her project.
I must say “I’m sorry” to my son because I accidentally stuck his jeans in the dryer and now they’re too short.
I must say “I’m sorry” to my parents because I lied to them for so many years about my eating disorder.
I must say “I’m sorry” to my brother for hogging the bathroom while we were growing up.
I must say “I’m sorry” to my sister for borrowing her clothes without asking.
“…love covers over all wrongs.” (Proverbs 10:12b)
All of these people I truly love, but I still hurt them at times. I don’t know what planet the person who wrote that quote is from, but here on earth… true love says I’m sorry all the time. If we didn’t care, we wouldn’t feel remorse and feel the need to say “I’m sorry.”
What the pillow should have said is… “True love always says I’m sorry.”
“I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance.” (2 Corinthians 7:9)
Dear Lord, I love you with all my heart, and I am truly sorry for letting you down and giving into my fleshly desires. I am sorry for allowing other things to consume devotion that belongs to you. I’m sorry for allowing anger to fuel my negative attitude and words. I’m sorry for allowing bitterness to take root in my heart when others hurt me. I am sorry for these things but I know you love me despite my shortcomings. Thank you that your mercies that are new every morning and your forgiveness never runs out as long as I am humble enough to say, “I’m sorry.”
“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret…” (2 Corinthians 7:10a)
