Proponents have pronounced that we are all averse to apologizing. Yet, have we not noticed how easily some do say “Sorry”? It is more probable for a “western” assimilated individual to apologize than for an “eastern”. The “eastern” clam will not apologize to evade the loss of face, stature or blatantly to not admit any wrong-doing. He may however by his further actions try to make amends but will not vocalize or admit his errors. It may well be that culture plays a role, but man has since the fall, always sought to evade taking responsibility. But a more “enlightened” individual can use “sorry” quite surreptitiously. “Sorry” is not a license.
Man’s heart is wickedly deceitful and oftentimes difficult to decipher. With their ease of demonstration, their laissez-faire; “sorry” does not seem the hardest word to say.
What do we really mean when we say we are sorry? I have come across the phrase “I am sorry” only once in the psalms. The word more frequently seen is “repent”. Repentance is not only about sorrowing over, it edicts restoration and compensation. Repentance mandates a “turning away” from the error; it requires an appreciation of the sinfulness of our wrongs. Repentance also does not negate the consequences, a fact we often gloss over or wish. There is always, the promise of forgiveness, but additional grace and mercy is at His supreme pleasure. Forgiveness was not provided without cost.
But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. (Isa 53:5)
So, between the clam and the spout, where would we position ourselves? In the multitude of words, there is room for error and sin. We are told to mean what we say; that our “yes” be “yes” and our “nays” be “nays”. And what of our “sorry”?
Are we truly sorry?
God bless.
/ckh
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