“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.” (Psalm 51:1)
Feeling stupid and ashamed over something we’ve done wrong doesn’t necessarily lead to repentance or change. We can beat ourselves up until we’re black and blue and it will get us nowhere, except a ditch of depression. Judas hung himself over his stupidity. To get back on our feet and to really change requires godly sorrow.
We must consider not only what our actions have done to us, or even others, but what they have done to God. Sin is against God. “Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight …” (Psalm 51:4) To be truly restored we must reckon with what we have done “in His sight;” and then, despite how despicable our actions have been, we must humbly receive the multitude of His tender mercies.
God is more interested in pardoning us than punishing us. He delights more in showing us mercy than judgment. Put down your whip. He who knew no sin wore enough stripes to cleanse and make you whole.