Let’s take a few days to consider Psalm 51, David’s prayer for forgiveness after his sin with Bathsheba. In this prayer, we find seven important steps to true repentance. Today we’ll cover the first three.

Psalm 51:1-6
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 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. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place.

1. Repentance is based on the character of God.
   True repentance begins with a plea for mercy based on God’s unfailing love and great compassion. We desire what we know is not deserved.

2. Repentance acknowledges that all sin is ultimately against God.
   Focusing on people leads to rationalizing my sin. My spouse wasn’t “meeting my needs,” so I had an affair. Someone “caused” me to sin. But true repentance understands that sin is primarily against the heavenly Father.

3. Repentance accepts the consequences of sin.
   The hard truth is that sin brings consequences, even forgiven sin. David professed that God’s verdict is right and his judgments are fair.

Father, help me realize my sin is against you. Don’t let me blame my sin on others. I humbly ask that you give me what I don’t deserve. I base my prayer for forgiveness on your unfailing love and your great compassion. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

We will continue with the steps to true repentance tomorrow.