In an interview Donald Trump commented he does not regret ever asking God for forgiveness.  This is partially, the President says, because he “doesn’t have much to apologize for.”

Donald Trump’s forthright comments make big headlines.  There are many examples, especially with the President’s current run-in with the media.

But we are mistaken if we think Donald Trump is somehow an “odd-bod” or an exception to the rule.  He actually represents or indeed, articulates, what a lot of people think – and would like to say.

Like Donald Trump, I am certain many of us think we don’t have much to apologize for.  Trump says he is a good person, that he doesn’t do a lot of bad things.  Here, the need for forgiveness doesn’t really come into the equation.

But the heart of the Christian message says things are not right.  The essential message of the Gospel claims our lives are not in order.  Indeed, we are fooling ourselves if we think there is no need to acknowledge our short-comings or admit our inadequacies and flaws.

St Paul says “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).  Here Paul is not trying to put us down or limit our potential.  Rather, Paul is stating a fundamental truth.  It’s a truth that, if not acted upon, holds us back and actually limits our potential to be the people God intends us to be.

As you come to worship today don’t be fooled by the thought or the suggestion you have nothing to be sorry for.  Rather, be prepared to admit you haven’t got it right, that you are not the master of your own destiny, that, as hard you may try, you are not the perfect person you may want to be.

And in doing so be assured that God listens to your prayer.  God hears your call.  For, the Good News says “if we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness”  (John 1:9).

It’s God’s grace that sustains.  It’s our reliance on the saving power of Christ that upholds.  A dependency on self, a belief that we are doing okay or a sense that we are always right takes us into dangerous territory.

God’s forgives, God nurtures.  It is God who provides what’s needed every day!