“If only…” They are just two words in the English language. Separately, they are used to communicate a variety of sentiments. Together they almost always take us to a place of remorse.
“If” can mean a possibility, condition, or stipulation. “Only” can mean at the very least, or without anyone or anything else, alone.
If only:
I had known…
You knew what you had done… You knew how I really felt…
I could reach you…
You could feel the pain…
Possibility missed, opportunity lost, communication broken. When a friend starts a sentence with the words “If only” you know to brace for what comes next.
It’s the sentiment one hears in Martha’s voice when she confronts Jesus upon His arrival after the death of Lazarus. She said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11:21) Martha is having one of those “if only” moments in life. In our humanity we understand her. In His divinity we gain perspective. Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” (John 11:23) And he did.
Our “If only” expressions of frustration are temporary. Just like Lazarus’ four days in the tomb. There is always a bigger picture than the snap shot of “if only.”
