“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love. According to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Ps. 51:1
Jesus, few things are as aromatic and beautiful as genuine humility and a sincere apology. It’s like the fragrance of sweet sage among kaleidoscopic-colored wildflowers, the aroma of fresh cinnamon buns baking in a dear friend’s kitchen, the sensory-igniting scent of a deep blue sky, 58-degree, dew-is-still-beading-on-leaves Montana morning. When someone offers a contrite heart, takes responsibility, and acknowledges the hurt they caused—it’s an alluring bouquet of grace.
But on the other end of the smell-spectrum, there’s “I’m-sorry-but.” “I’m sorry, but you took what I said all wrong.” “I’m sorry, but if you weren’t so sensitive, it wouldn’t be that big of a deal.” “I’m sorry, but I’ve had a bad week” (or “bad traffic, bad hair day, bad golf game, bad sleep” ad nauseum). That’s the smell of spoiled self-righteousness rotting on the lower shelf in the back left corner of our heart-refrigerator.
Jesus, forgive our “I’m-sorry-buts.” May the Gospel free us to be quicker with: “I see I really hurt you.” “Tell me more about how my words and actions made you feel.” “I’m genuinely sorry—and I offer no qualifiers, just a sincere apology.” “What do you need from me?”
Abba’s mercies are new every morning because we need them every day. We sing “I need Thee every hour” because we do, Jesus. None of us is beyond the need of your grace, or the reach of your grace. Help us live this July Thursday alive to the lavish forgiveness you’ve given us, the humility you would grow in us, and the kindness you’ll offer through us. So Very Amen