Have you ever had someone hurt your feelings and say, “I’m sorry”, but then turn right around and do it again? I think we all have. But that isn’t repentance. True repentance requires sorrow and remorse. It also requires that we would turn in the opposite direction and not go back… not keep committing the same action over and over. “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10

Because of my background and upbringing, and because of my need to people-please, I say “I’m sorry” A LOT! I believe that my husband would throw a party and shout praises to the Lord if I could make it through one day without saying, “I’m sorry”. Things that I have no part in, I often apologize for. And, because I say it so frequently, it can have an appearance of insincerity.

“I’m sorry” is a term that is only appropriate for an unconscious action. If we step on someone’s toe, it may be an appropriate time to say, “I’m sorry.” It is a suitable response to an unconscious action that we hope not to do again. But it has no course of action. It can be cyclical. We say it, go about our business, and if we commit that same hurt, we simply say “I’m sorry” all over again.

“I’m sorry” is also something we say when we regret the consequences that we are about to face for our actions. But, in this case, we regret the consequences, not the harm that we caused. We often see this in a child. They don’t say they’re sorry when we catch them eating the cookie that they aren’t supposed to eat. It isn’t until we say, “Now you get no cookie after dinner” that we hear, “I’m sorry”. The child is not sorry that they snuck the cookie. They are sorry that you caught them and that you’re taking away their dessert.

This side of Heaven, we will all do things that hurt other people. But are we sorry? Or are we repentant? If we are truly sorrowful, we should ask for forgiveness from a repentant heart that desires not to hurt them again. “I’m sorry” does not convey that.

Repentance requires true sorrow and remorse. It also requires us to have a desire and determination not to commit that act again.

We will be repentant when we hurt others if we are truly sorrowful. When we sin against God, we will be repentant if we are truly sorrowful. And we will make an effort not to commit that hurt or sin again.

Repentance is much more than regret. It is much more than “I’m sorry.” In repentance, we find life… eternal life. “For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord GOD; so turn, and live.” Ezekial 18:32.

God desires a relationship with us and longs to forgive us. He patiently waits for each of us to repent. “The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Timothy 3:9.

Even after we are followers of Jesus Christ, we still falter. But repentance can restore us. “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,” Acts 3:19.

Whether we have hurt a friend, a loved one, or a mere acquaintance, we should repent by asking for forgiveness, not by saying, “I’m sorry.”

And, when we sin against our loving Heavenly Father, we must repent. Our relationship with God can only be fully restored through repentance.

If there are relationships that need mending because of a hurt that you have caused, take this opportunity to repent and salvage that relationship.

If there is outstanding sin in your life, take this opportunity to repent and restore your relationship with God.

Father God, we praise You for restoration. We praise You that you desire our reconciliation. Thank You for our Savior, Jesus Christ. Thank You that, through His shed blood and our repentance, He will be our Lord and Savior and we can be restored to You. Father, where we need to ask forgiveness of others, lead us to that person and hurt. Lord, forgive us for those sins that we have yet to repent of. Forgive us for those times that we have said “I’m sorry” with an insincere heart, instead of repenting. Lord, examine our hearts and reveal any sins that we have not repented of. Convict us to repent and turn away from them. Father, we repent!

If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and have never repented of your sins, please go to our Life Preserver page (https://forgiven-n-loved.com/life-preserver/) and pray the prayer that is outlined there. God desires to forgive you. He wants a relationship with you. And He wants to adopt you as His own child. “and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18. Please, pray that prayer and reach out to me at admin@Forgiven-N-Loved.com and let me know. I would love to be in prayer for you.

Luv Ya!