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^3 For I know my transgressions,
    and my sin is always before me.
^4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
    and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are right in your verdict
    and justified when you judge.

Psalm 51: 1-4

David’s cry made me ask, “When was the last time I repented with such heart-wrenching passion?” David had been called to account because he had committed adultery, tried to cover it up, had Bathsheba’s husband murdered, and then taken the woman for his own. Though he needed an honest advisor to point out his sin, the moment it was brought to his attention, King David, broke down. He didn’t make excuses; he didn’t brush it off or think, “it will be fine, God always forgives me.” The man grieved his sin.

My sin grieves God, but does it grieve me? To be honest, I’d have to say sometimes. But other times, I tell God I’m sorry, and go about my business as if I accidentally spilled milk on his papers. I remember when Luke 7:47 became real to me. “The one who is forgiven little loves little.” I was distraught since I’d never sinned like David or those folks who make jailhouse confessions. I wanted to love Jesus much, but how could I if I had little to be forgiven. That’s when I began to realize I thought I needed to be forgiven little because I compared my sin to other humans. When I put my sin level up against the perfect Christ, I begin to see the dirt and shame a bit more clearly.

Only when we recognize the depth of our transgressions–no matter how small they seem from the world’s vantage point–can we begin to pray the rest of Psalm 51:

^13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
    so that sinners will turn back to you.

Psalm 51:10-13

Our hearts cannot be truly cleaned until we recognize the need for cleanser. Have you ever attempted to clean house in the dark? You miss a lot of dirt. Repentance turns on the light. It allows us to see every dirt speck so God can get in there and scrub the darkest corner. True repentance gives the Redeemer permission to mold our hearts and remake us.

And true repentance removes the plank from our eye. (Matthew 7:1-5) True repentance allows us to teach transgressors about God. Recognizing our own mistakes and owning the blackness of our sins humbles us. And only a teacher with true humility can make a difference. Humility keeps us from judging and allows us to bring others to repentance. When they see the freedom we have because we truly repented, they’ll want it too.

Every sin requires a repentant heart to make it right with God. Even if the transgression seems small, each one separates us from Jesus. From disobedience to spending more time with electronics than in the word, giving other people or things priority over our relationship with the Trinity to blatantly going against scripture, when we turn our attention from the Almighty, we cause a rift and only true repentance will bring us back.

Fortunately, we have a Savior who understands. He doesn’t judge; He waits. He has the hyssop ready; the soap and wash cloth of the Holy Spirit are on standby. And the moment He see our heart break and hears our cries for forgiveness, the work is done. He forgives, cleanses, and remakes our hearts before the prayer is complete. He loves you that much!

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