Forgiveness - Part 4

I was both impressed and convicted by John MacArthur's letter, quoted over a three-day period. It is indeed easy to make "empty apologies or cling to cheap forgiveness." As he mentions, from childhood we learn the benefits of a quick "I'm sorry" to diffuse trouble and often mitigate consequences (if not removing them entirely!). It is much easier for us as parents, too, to accept the quick apology and let it go, rather than meting out appropriate consequences for sin.

He was also right on in saying that "Much of our society accepts that, no matter how egregious, any transgression can be completely wiped away with the right words and a few tears. No thought is given to the need for restitution, a true change of heart, or any authentic fruit of repentance. Far from it, in fact--the kind of apologies common today are intended to protect (underlined in original) the status quo. The less you have to change, the better."

Self-examination revealed that I have often been guilty of the attitudes/actions described above. I grew up thinking that way, and do it even as an adult. However, in His grace, God has caused me to begin thinking a lot more about what obedience and repentance really mean. It is NOT enough to just toss off an apology; as MacArthur says, "You can't patch the deep wounds of sin with bandages of fleeting sorrow and momentary regret And reluctant, half-hearted forgiveness barely masks the grudge you're holding. In fact, decades of counseling troubled couples have convinced me that even the most complicated relationship problems always (underlined in original) come down to a lack of either repentance or forgiveness."

How often have I quickly offered an "I'm sorry" or even just "sorry" to my husband or sons when I've obviously done something to hurt or offend them, or committed a sin in their presence? What am I sorry for? That I got caught, or humiliated, or embarrassed, or all three? Or is there genuine sorrow because once again I have failed my God by sinning?

I am saving the letter, and desire to remind myself of its truths often, asking God to help me better understand and practice both forgiveness and true repentance.

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper,
but whoso confesseth and forsaketh
them shall have mercy.
(Proverbs 28:13)