Pardon Me...

Hijackers terrorized the passengers aboard an Indian Airlines jet for 8 days. Then, on December 31, 1999, the gunmen issued a final demand before releasing their hostages. "Sorry, but everyone has to say that I am forgiven," said the hijacker code-named "Burger." When the disbelieving passengers stared back at him, he ordered them to say, "I forgive you." After hearing the words, the hijackers disappeared into the desert.

Not many of us would be so arrogant as to insist that someone forgive us. And we certainly wouldn't demand that of God. Why? Because most people sense that His mercy and pardon can be received only by a humble, sincere, and repentant heart.

The apostle John wrote, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). The word translated "confess" means "to speak the same thing or agree with." When we confess our sins to God, we agree with Him about our sin, our need to be cleansed, and our need to forgive others who have wronged us (Matthew 6:15).

We cry out, "Pardon me!"

None of us is truly free without forgiveness. We need God's, and others need ours.

— David C. McCasland

Forgive me, O Lord, for all of my sin,Please make my heart pure and cleanse me within;Confessing to You what I have done wrong,Restore now my joy—to You I belong.
Confession is the key that opens the door to forgiveness.