Waiting For “I’m Sorry”

Rom 5:8 NIV “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

God did not wait for “I’m sorry” before providing a way for reconciliation. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This means that before we were even aware of our betrayals through sin, God loved us so much “that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

Why is it then that even though “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23) we demand an apology before we forgive those who betray us?

Betrayal is a nasty word that we can see in others but have difficulty assigning to ourselves. What is it? Betrayal is throwing away something entrusted to you.

When was the last time someone carelessly disclosed a secret, said disparaging things about you to elevate themselves, leveraged your weakness to advance their agenda, manipulated a relationship close to you to fill a void in their lives, stole something from you, broke a promise, violated a contract, cheated, lied or simply chose someone else? Have they asked for forgiveness? Are they even aware of their offense? How could they go on about their lives and leave you broken?

Why do we need to hear “I’m sorry” when it doesn’t right the wrong?  Sometimes my pride needs to hear those words, only to learn the joy is fleeting…

Has your betrayer seemingly moved on with their life and you haven’t?  Waiting for “I’m sorry” from your betrayer is gift wrapping your future and handing it to them. They didn’t ask for it, won’t take, couldn’t fix it even if they accepted the challenge, and you are left with eternal disappointment that opens a door for bitterness.

The purest need for repentance is reconciliation.  Betrayal is deception that impacts the deep section of your heart. The very place where the Deceiver plants roots of bitterness intended to strangle your life. He leads you to believe that if you could just hear the words “I’m sorry,” it would set you free from the pain and fulfill your secret hope for reconciliation with your betrayer.

Roots of bitterness grow up telling you that someone owes you something when Christ has already paid for everything. He bore our sins on the cross, deserving none. He was willing to die before hearing “I’m sorry.” Waiting on man to reconcile your pain is a betrayal of the love of Christ.

The truth is… we have all been betrayed, and in our human frailty we have betrayed others. Betraying the love of God is a universal offense that comes in many forms, from seemingly innocent decision-making in our own best judgment to overt rejection of salvation.

What will you do with the free gift of grace entrusted to you?

Who is holding your future, God or your betrayer?

Who do you need to forgive without ever hearing the words, “I’m sorry”?  ~Brandi

 

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