Devotion Booklets for Seasons of the Church Year Advent-Christmas Devotional - 2017 - single page | Page 12

I’m Sorry!
Saturday, December 9th
Psalm 32:5
“I am sorry!” “It was my fault!” “I take the blame!” Many people choke on those words. I often tell people:
“There are three important phrases to remember in your life. Say them regularly to those around you. 1. I
love you. 2. I am sorry. 3. I forgive you. Keep those phrases in your regular conversations, and you will be
blessed.”
Why is it so hard for me to say, “I am sorry?” I don’t like being wrong. Saying ‘sorry’ makes me vulnerable. I
may not trust that the person will forgive me.
The Bible uses a statement to describe King David that may sound unbelievable after what we read
yesterday. The Bible calls David “A man after God’s own heart.” How can that be? Look what he did!
Adultery, lying, deception, murder!!! David was a broken man. But he also trusted his Savior God. When his
Pastor called him to confession and said, “YOU ARE THE MAN,” David immediately, penitently, and humbly
replied, “I have sinned against the LORD.”
Why was David so ready to confess? He knew who his God was. He knew and trusted that the LORD was the
compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to
thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.
Knowing who this Savior God is, and trusting his qualities is essential in my day to day relationship with
him. I can willingly lay my sins before Jesus, because I know he will be there each time with the forgiveness
he has already placed in my account.
The readiness of my God to forgive not only makes it is easier to confess. It also makes me more
determined to stay away from those sins that plague me each day. The heart of Jesus to forgive will also
lead me to be more willing to forgive others when they sin against me, and encourage others to forgive me
when I sin against them. That gives me peace and joy, not only as I prepare for Christmas. It gives me
peace and joy for eternity!
Prayer: Gracious God, thank you for being so willing to forgive. Thank you for sending Jesus to be my sin,
and for giving me his righteousness. With Jesus, I have no regrets! Amen.
Activity: Gather your family to discuss the importance of the three-word phrases. Build on your trust with
each other by committing to use them each day. After one week, gather again to discuss the changes you
see.
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