The Movie Clip – Despicable Me (2010)
The iconic kids movie Despicable Me follows the life of super-villain Gru. In an effort to execute one of his devious plans, Gru takes custody of three sisters, and the movie is about the conflict between Gru’s villainous schemes and a slowly growing affection for the girls. In the midst of this conflict, Gru says and does several things that wound the sisters, including sending the back to the foster system.
This scene comes near the end of the movie where Gru attempts to apologize and make things right with his daughters by writing and reading a story entitled “One Big Unicorn.” The story offers a confession of Gru’s mistakes as he seeks forgiveness and promises a different future. The girls respond by showing Gru grace and love.
The Bible Connection – David, Bathsheba, & Repentance
David was a great king who did a lot of amazing thing, but his great disgrace involved an affair with Bathsheba and a cover up that led to a murder. David hides his sin for a long time before finally being confronted by the prophet Nathan. When David is confronted with his sin, he responds by writing Psalm 51.
In Psalm 51, David, like Gru, recognizes his own mistakes. He seeks forgiveness and renewal. He is hoping his sins have not permanently separated him from God. He asks God to restore him, remake him, and cleanse him. David, like Gru in our movie clip, brings a repentant heart in hope of finding love and grace.
Gru and David present a model for us who wish to follow Christ. Each person has broken their relationship with God through sin, but the Gospel promises forgiveness, mercy, adoption, and grace to everyone who comes with a repentant heart. I recommend using Psalm 51 (particularly verses 1-11) as a model prayer for repentance and confession.
Scriptures to Use – Confession and God’s Grace
2 Samuel 11:1-12:15
This is the story of David’s sin with Bathsheba and Uriah. It also includes Nathan’s confrontation with David that leads to the writing of Psalm 51.
Psalm 51:1-13
David’s prayer of repentance should serve as a model for every follower of Christ who finds themselves wrestling with sin. We need power of the cross and the ability of Jesus’ blood to cover our sins, and David perfectly expresses that longing.
Hebrews 10:19-23
This text reminds us that in Christ we are restored to a right relationship with God. We do find grace and forgiveness through the sacrifice for Christ.
