"I am on the verge of collapse, facing constant pain. But I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done." (NLT)
Have you ever had someone to offend you and then apologize? Have you ever heard "I'm sorry you were offended"? Or, "I'm sorry that you feel that way". How did you feel when they apologized with those terms? You likely questioned the sincerity of the apology. Why? It's because they apologized for your response rather than for their action. "I'm sorry I offended you" is different than "I'm sorry you were offended." "I'm sorry I hurt you" is different than "I'm sorry you were hurt."
Notice the words that the Psalmist used as he rendered a sincere apology. "I am on the verge of collapse, facing constant pain." In this verse the psalmist shows that he is bothered by what he did. He does not show any measure of pride in relation to the act he committed. In the next verse he writes "I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done." Nowhere in these verses does the writer mention the one offended but he takes full responsibility.
It has been said that a sincere apology has three parts; "I am sorry, It's my fault, and what can I do to make it right." The psalmist does two of these three parts. He expresses remorse and takes responsibility. The other part is also essential. Do what you can to make it right.
The biggest hindrance to a sincere apology is pride. Swallow pride and practice sincerity.
