May 30, 2025 Devo

Some time ago, I was talking with a man who had done something that hurt his wife. He came to me frustrated because his wife was not “getting over it” as quickly as he wanted her to. When he told me how he had apologized, I realized what his problem was. He said things such as, “I’m sorry if you were hurt,” and “I didn’t mean for that to happen.” Nice words. Probably even sincere. But he didn’t realize that those weren't helping his wife’s heart to heal.
His wife didn’t need excuses or rationales to explain away his actions. Nor did she want his condescending attempt to let her know that it shouldn’t have bothered her as much as it did. What she DID need was to know that her husband was truly sorrowful. She needed to know that HIS heart was breaking because HER heart was breaking. She didn’t need flowers or candy or a $5 Hallmark card. She needed to feel his love for her through his brokenness. That’s what would give her the assurance of his repentance. That’s what would help her heart to heal.
That’s the same kind of brokenness that touches the heart of God. Sometimes, when we mess up with God, we try to placate Him. So we attend a few more church services, or we read a little more Bible each day, or we kick in a little extra in the offering plate. We try to convince God that we didn’t mean it, and that it’ll never happen again. But God’s not moved by our extra efforts or our lame excuses. He sees through all that façade.
What God is looking for is our hearts. Is our heart broken for Him the way that His Heart is broken for us? If it is, then that’s all that’s necessary. That’s the assurance of our repentance. Our brokenness heals His broken heart. It restores the closeness. It closes the gap. It brings God near again. Wives and God are a lot alike. (And not just because they are both always right!) They’re not impressed by the words coming from our mouths. But they are deeply touched by the brokenness of our hearts. It may not feel all that “manly” to be that vulnerable, but it is definitely “godly.” And it’s certainly much better than sleeping on the couch. That’s God’s Word for you today.