If he had done differently, I wouldn't have said what I did. True repentance deals with sin in all its ugliness, and does not try to shed personal responsibility for it. It is my fault. I am sorry. Please forgive me.
Forgiveness comes because of the forgiver's mercy and lovingkindness.
Forgiveness has nothing to do with excuses or reasons presented by the offender. Repentance is a surrender to cleansing. I do not believe that verses two and seven speak of something quick, light, easy and painless. The flesh does not want to give up its sin. The flesh may go along with this business of asking forgiveness, but it reserves the option to indulge in sin all over again.