The hardest word

In 1976 Elton John released a song with the title “Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word.”  It is a mournful ballad about a romantic relationship which is falling apart.  Several interviews which have taken place during the General Election campaign so far seem to indicate that the song title is not far from the mark.  We have seen a number of politicians apparently reluctant to use the word “sorry”, despite repeatedly being pressed to do so.

In some ways I do have a little sympathy for politicians (yes, really!) because it is much easier, in these days of social media and instant access to all sorts of recordings, to drag up something a person may have said or written many years ago and hold them accountable.  I’m sure there are things I’ve said and done over the years about which I would be embarrassed if they were ever brought to public attention.

Having said that, it does appear that some politicians are extremely reluctant to admit to mistakes from the past and to allow the word “sorry” to pass their lips.  If one of my grandchildren does or says something which they shouldn’t, they are usually sent into a period of “time out” by their parents.  Once the allocated period of time out has passed, then they are asked whether they understand why they have been in time out.  Usually they do know what they did/said wrong; once they’ve recognised this, they are then instructed to say sorry to whoever they’ve affected by their words or behaviour.  It seems to me to be really good that they are learning to use the word sorry.

It's often said that in a marriage, or indeed in any good relationship, the willingness to say sorry (and mean it) is fundamental.  Why, then, are we finding some politicians apparently so reluctant to use the word?  Perhaps because by doing so they are having to admit to their own imperfections, instead of pointing the blame at others.  Sadly, we have seen the blame game with the recent tragic deaths of two young people in London.  Both main parties seemed quick to point a finger of blame at each other, but neither were very keen to admit that maybe they haven’t done all they could to prevent such events happening.

I remember when our children were young, if something untoward happened and Sue or I asked “who is responsible for that?”, the children would often point the finger at each other and cry “he/she did it!”  One of the signs of maturity is to admit when we get things wrong, and be brave enough to confess our imperfections.

Next Sunday I will be preaching about the fascinating character of John the Baptist.  He came with an uncompromising message of repentance, later echoed by Jesus himself.  Repentance lies at the heart of the Christian gospel.  Biblical repentance is much more than simply saying sorry, it involves a change of direction, a conscious decision to live our lives in God’s way.

I think that if our politicians (and other leaders) we able to more freely admit to mistakes and say sorry, then most people would admire them for that.  Even better if they use the lessons of their mistakes to make better judgements in the future.  My prayer is that as a result of next week’s General Election, we will have more men and women in Parliament with real integrity, honesty and wisdom, and the readiness to say sorry.