Occasionally we will see in the news a public figure making an apology for a misdeed of words or actions. It is sometimes hard to tell whether the apology is genuine or is a response to having been found out. While it is not our place to judge the sincerity of an apology, the Bible speaks of “godly sorrow” that produces genuine repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10).

Joseph’s brothers had lived for decades with guilty consciences over selling Joseph into slavery and lying to their father about his fate. They no doubt assumed that Joseph had perished in Egypt. But when they discovered he was the second-most powerful ruler in the land, they were shocked, not to mention ashamed and embarrassed in his presence. When Joseph revealed himself to them, they had a tearful reunion: “And after that his brothers talked with him.” That must have been a conversation filled with confession and repentance and the desire for forgiveness, which was no doubt granted by Joseph.       

If you need to seek forgiveness, make sure it is accompanied by godly sorrow that leads to repentance.

Real repentance produces confession and forsaking of sin.
Vance Havner