True repentance
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A politician was once accused of misusing his position to secure a job for his girlfriend. When the evidence piled up, he finally addressed the press: "It's possible that I sent a wrong signal. If I did and I made a mistake then I'm sorry."
The public wasn't impressed. He soon lost his position. Why? Because the little word if robbed the apology of any meaning. A confession that begins with if or maybe is no confession at all. It communicates: "I don't know that I've done anything wrong—but since you're upset, I'll toss out a token apology."
Real apologies don't hide behind conditions. They admit wrong, take responsibility, and seek forgiveness.
Psalm 51 records David's prayer after Nathan confronted him about adultery and murder. David didn't rationalize, blame Bathsheba, or criticize Nathan's tone. He admitted: "I have sinned against the Lord" (2 Samuel 12:13). He prayed: "Blot out my transgressions, wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin" (Psalm 51:1–2).
Swiss psychiatrist Paul Tournier once distinguished between false guilt—the shame imposed by human opinion—and true guilt—the conviction of having disobeyed God. David knew the difference. He confessed: "For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned" (Psalm 51:3–4).
David couldn't undo the damage. Uriah was dead. Bathsheba was pregnant. His reputation was tarnished. But he turned his life around. He prayed: "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10). He stopped making excuses and started walking in obedience.
That's the difference between regret and repentance. Regret says, "I'm sorry I got caught." Repentance says, "I was wrong, Lord—change me."
God forgave David. Though his child with Bathsheba died, David didn't lash out at God or withdraw from worship. Instead, he sought comfort in God's presence. Later, he and Bathsheba had another son—Solomon—through whom the Messiah would eventually come (2 Samuel 12:24).
The New Testament mentions David nearly sixty times, yet never once does it bring up his sin. That's the power of God's grace: forgiven sins are buried in the depths of the sea, remembered no more (Micah 7:19).
Psalm 51 remains a model of genuine repentance. And David's life reminds us that the one who truly confesses and turns back to God can be forgiven, restored, and used again in God's kingdom.
 | Bob Russell became the pastor of Southeast Christian Church at just 22 years old. That small congregation of 120 members became one of the largest churches in America, with 18,000 people attending the four worship services every weekend in 2006 when Bob retired. Now through Bob Russell Ministries, Bob continues to preach at churches; conferences throughout the United States, provide guidance for church leadership, mentor other ministers and author Bible study videos for use in small groups. Learn More » |
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