Glass Street church of Christ

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February 26, 2008

To Be or Not to be Sorry

by Randy Meyer

Have you ever had an occasion to say to be told “I’m sorry”? I believe it is safe to say everyone has been in both of these positions. However, have you ever considered the need to say “I’m sorry” in your spiritual life? But what do we have to be sorry about?

God has given us His laws and commands as our “rules to live by” much like an earthly father would give rules to his children. But, what is our reaction when rules are broken?

Let me give you a situation. A father has set forth the rules by which his children are to live. The child (“Mary”) understands that it is against the rules to kick people. However, the father sees “Mary” kick her brother. When he asked “Mary” about breaking the rules, admits to kicking her brother and says she is sorry. However “Mary” kicks him again. She again says “I’m sorry” but immediately kicks her brother again saying “sorry” as she kicks him again. I believe you get the idea. Was “Mary” truly sorry for her actions? Many times in our spiritual lives we may act the same as “Mary”. It is easy to say the words “I’m sorry” but do we mean the words?

To be sorry for ones wrongs, they must have sorrow or regret for what they have done. The regret for committing a wrong will cause them to repent and turn away from performing the same wrong in the future. But, we have not done anything to break God’s rules or have we? Romans 3:23 states that “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” We further find that “sin is the transgression of the law” (I John 3:4). From these scriptures we find that all of us have broken God’s law and therefore separated ourselves from Him. However, the word of God has given us many examples of those in the first century which broke His rules and yet said “I’m sorry” and repented of such wrongdoing.

In Acts 2, Peter was preaching Christ to the Jews on the day of Pentecost. He gave the prophecy which foretold the coming of Christ and informed the Jews that they had just crucified Him. In Acts 2:37, the Jews were cut to the heart (with sorrow and regret) and ask what they need to do. Peter said unto them “repent ye”. The apostles in Acts 8:22 instructed Simon to “repent therefore of this thy wickedness.”

As we discussed in the previous issue, you must believe the Word of God but his belief alone will not make us a follower of Christ. Jesus stated “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3) He immediately gave the same admonition in Luke 13:5. Just as “Mary” in the example above was not repentant, we have the choice not to turn from our wrongdoing. Do you desire to follow after the way of Christ and willing to repent of your sins? We are here to assist you if you have any questions.