That’s the point, yes? If we repent of our words and/or actions, surely our ‘proof’ of our change is a firm vow not to repeat. And then we need to produce fruit from the change (Matthew 3:8). Otherwise, why would we say we are sorry? Do we even mean this? Or is it only a temporary bandage to get through the time of our ‘exposure’?
Wrong question. Dealing with fault or fault-finding shouldn’t be our first thought, or action. Our initial focus should be on resolution – on discovering and developing the best response to (fill in the blank – issue/crisis). I sometimes wonder if discovering the ‘culprit’ isn’t a kind of smoke screen because we don’t know what to do. Rarely the point. And rushing in to ‘put your finger in the seeping dike’ rarely is effective. If nothing else, exhibiting calm and reason has to be in evidence.
You aren’t convinced you were in the wrong… so why should it be your responsibility? Somewhere in your heart and/or mind, there must be a sense that you aren’t entirely innocent in this current situation. But never say you are sorry, if you have no intention of rethinking what your words/behavior (or lack) produced. People can read insincerity in a heart beat and then you’ve done more damage the initial act/word.
It is always OUR decision on when/how we repent and change: our response and how we reverse and change the ‘damage’; with no clear intention on our part to change, improve (fill in the blank) then we need to go back to the beginning. It really is critical to discern what we did that contributed to the current situation. Remember too that when our words and actions are against The Father and His principles, that the seriousness increases. Giving more ‘food for thought’ check https://www.icr.org/article/seven-results-repentance/
“Bring forth therefore fruits in keeping with repentance” (Matthew 3:8)
