Today, the word “sorry” has become quick, light, almost automatic. Someone bumps into you — sorry. They stain your clothes — sorry. They forget a commitment — sorry. The word comes out easily, as if it has the power to instantly erase what happened. Yet there are situations where this word feels too small compared to the harm that was done. A word can mark a life. An attitude can break a heart. An action can leave a deep wound. So a serious question arises: can a simple “sorry” truly repair what has been damaged inside?
For God, forgiveness does not begin with the lips but with the heart.
The Bible says, “Whoever hides his crimes will not be guided. But whoever will have confessed and abandoned them shall overtake mercy”(Proverbs 28:13).
Saying sorry without clearly acknowledging the wrong is still protecting ourselves. Saying sorry without changing risks repeating the same hurt. True forgiveness does not just try to calm the situation; it seeks to transform the person who did the wrong.
When David sinned, he did not settle for a word. His heart was broken before God. He cried out, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).
This is the true spirit of repentance: recognizing the wrong, feeling the pain caused, desiring to be changed, and seeking to make things right whenever possible. Genuine forgiveness touches the inside before it is seen on the outside.
Many wounds today are invisible, yet they are real. Hearts are hurt by harsh words, humiliation, injustice, and broken promises.
Sometimes we think everything is settled just because we spoke a word. But Jesus shows a deeper path when He says, “First go and be reconciled to your brother” (Matthew 5:24). For God, reconciliation is not a formality; it is a sincere step toward restoring a damaged relationship.
Even God did not forgive us with a simple word.
Humanity’s sin was not treated as something small.
Forgiveness came at a great cost.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…” (John 3:16).
The cross reveals a deep truth: real forgiveness costs something. It engages the heart. It involves giving. It produces change.
So saying “sorry” may be a beginning, but it is not the end.
God calls us to sincere repentance, a humble heart, a change of attitude, and a real willingness to repair. Forgiveness is not a word spoken to ease our conscience; it is a path that seeks to restore what we have damaged.
PRAYER:
Lord, keep me from trivializing the harm I cause.
Give me a sensitive and humble heart, able to recognize my faults, ask forgiveness sincerely, and truly change. Help me to repair where I have hurt others, just as You restored me through Your grace. Amen.
Apostle Dr Jean-Claude SINDAYIGAYA