Sorry...
Dan Kunz
If you read my previous blog, you know my feelings about “love you” versus “I love you, ____”. Some expressions become so automatic, the person saying them sometimes doesn’t give much thought to them. Another such problem is an apology which may, or may not, really be an apology. When kids get into a “scrap” with their friend or brother or sister, parents will encourage the right behavior by saying, “Now tell your sister you’re sorry.” What usually follows is a very half-hearted and grudging “Sorry.” Mom or Dad may even take it a step further by requiring a hug to seal the deal. Although it seems a lesson has been taught (and, hopefully, learned), we know that such scenarios only sometimes achieve the desired results.
Unfortunately, adults aren’t always much better at being truly apologetic and making amends. When we are caught in some transgression, it can become very easy to say “sorry” and then move on as if nothing happened. Just as is sometimes the case with “love you”, the words can become so automatic, they carry little meaning. The solution is also similar. Start by saying, “I’m sorry, ________.” Then go on to discuss the transgression and what can be done to make amends. Hopefully, this becomes the habit, rather than just a mumbled, “Sorry”, and no real change in behavior.
The same could be true of our confession of sins and subsequent repentance. The big difference, however, is that God can read our heart, other people cannot. We can tell God we’re sorry for a sin or sins we commit, whether it be a private confession or a formal part of a worship service, but only God knows if we’re sincere.
Part of the act of repentance is a sincere attempt to change our sinful behavior. We may not always be able to continue on the right path, but we need to try to do that. People who rely on God’s grace without true repentance, cheapen the sacrifice which our Savior made for us two thousand years ago.
“Cheap grace” is an expression which describes that very attitude. It’s nothing new. The early Christian church had people who followed that path. The term “licentiousness” literally means a “license to sin”. If we are not serious about our confession of sins, it’s a short step to thinking either our sins are automatically covered by “cheap grace”, or God isn’t serious about our sins and his justice. Some may think God simply looks the other way when his children don’t live by his laws. Nothing could be farther from the truth!
Luther’s Small Catechism discusses Holy Baptism this way - It indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever. Those words clearly state the seriousness of our sin and the need for us to not only ask for forgiveness but make every possible effort to live a pure and sanctified life, leaving those sins behind. Make a sincere apology to whomever you wrong, but, more importantly, repent of any and all sins which can damage your relationship with your Heavenly Father. I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.