Daily Digest #286

I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner. —2 Corinthians 7:9

I love how this line was put: Repentance means hating sin enough to turn from it. I, myself, am used to saying sorry but not really being one. I know this because I keep doing some of the things I was sorry for before. I realize how sin can develop into addiction. Sometimes, even when we know one thing is wrong, we allow ourselves to be stubborn, creating many excuses or allowances to legitimize our sinful words or actions. Until such time that we get ourselves hooked and we can't turn away from it anymore.

I think the difference between sincere repentance and mere apology is the recognition of sin. Most of us could not, or would not, distinguish sin from modern norms. But God's truth never changes. What offends God? If we love Him enough, we would thirst for His wisdom, seek His guidance, and transform from within. Change rarely happens overnight, but with God's help and love, each of us can. If we are willing.

For this, let us pray. May we develop a heart of repentance. May we recognize good and evil, and choose to demonstrate our love for God in our thoughts, words and actions. Pray always.