SAYING YOU’RE SORRY, BUT NOT SHOWING IT

Posted on May 2, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

In 1970 Ali McGraw uttered the words, “Love means never having to say your sorry,” to Ryan O’Neal on her deathbed.  I was a young woman at the time and the romance and sadness of the moment resonated with me.  It seemed the perfect thing for her to say, but was it?  There are times when the phrase, “I’m sorry” is just that – empty words. They don’t really mean anything, because they are said out of obligation.  Being truly contrite means that we know we have done something wrong and feel guilt over it. 

Why is it such a blessing to forgive someone for hurting you in some way – for embarrassing you or for causing you anxious moments? Why are we so afraid to ask for forgiveness?  Is it because  we fear rejection?  Is it because we hate to admit we’re wrong? 

What does God say about saying your sorry?  He expects it.  In order for us to receive all the benefits of His kingdom, we must come before Him with contrite hearts – begging for forgiveness – truly regretting our ability to keep His commandments – but also fully confident that He does forgive.  When we forgive another person, it frees us from anger, hatred and a whole assortment of emotions,   When God forgives – we are the ones who are free.  He gives us that freedom without cost.  He gives it because we say we’re sorry.  So love really means saying you’re sorry.

God, I know that I have fallen short of your commandments.  I also know that your love for me is limitless.  You ask only one thing of me – my repentance.  I’m sorry for not placing my complete trust in You. I can’t even begin to say all the things I’m sorry for, but I know that your have invited me to lay my sins on Jesus and that through Him I will receive your forgiveness.  Help me always to follow His example in my life and though I am free, allow me to be a servant for your name’s sake. AMEN!

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About atimetoshare.me

As I reach the end of my years, I find I have a lot of good information stored up in this old decrepit mind of mine. If I don't write it all down, it may vanish and no one will have the advantage of my thoughts. This is why this blog exists. I love the Lord, Jesus with all my heart and soul. I know I'm undeserving of all He's done for me, but I also know that His love is beyond my comprehension. I've always wanted to write. I never kept diaries, but tucked my thoughts in my head for future reference. I use them now in creating stories, plays, poetry and my blog. I continue to learn every day. I believe the compilation of our time spent with God will have huge affect on the way we live. I know I'm a sinner and I need a Savior. I have One through Jesus, Christ. My book, "Stages - a memoir," is about the seven stages of life from the perspective of a woman. It addresses all the things girls and women go through in life as they travel it with Jesus, and it is available on Amazon.com.
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5 Responses to SAYING YOU’RE SORRY, BUT NOT SHOWING IT

  1. hatrack4 says:
    May 2, 2023 at 12:37 pm

    I cannot remember the movie, maybe with Goldie Hawn? or Streisand?, where Ryan O’Neal repeats that line at the end of the movie and the love interest says, “That’s the dumbest thing I ever heard!”

    Liked by 1 person

  3. seekingdivineperspective says:
    May 3, 2023 at 11:14 am

    I was 17 when “Love Story” came out, and even at that age I thought that was a very strange thing to say on one’s death bed. (“I forgive you” would have been so much better.)
    Was she saying that he shouldn’t have done what he did in the first place, but since he did and had to say he was sorry, that he didn’t really love her?
    Or was she saying that he should just assume that she always automatically forgave him and never had to repent?
    I remember asking my boyfriend at the time, “What do you think of that statement?” He answered in one word: “BUNK.” Not that HE ever said “sorry” to ME, but he understood the concept. 😉
    Apology (confession and repentance) is the first step to peace with God. I feel sad for those in my generation who latched onto that “profound” (eye roll) statement and tried to live by it.

    Liked by 1 person

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