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EXPERIENCING TOMORROW'S REALITY TODAY -- Daily Bible Study Devotionals

Tuesday, October 08, 2019

October 8, 2019

I did it again. I don’t like doing the wrong thing, but it seems to be a habit I’ve not been able to break.  If only I had been more understanding. If only I had taken the time. If only I had not been so selfish. The list goes on and on.  Missteps. Mistakes. Sin. You and I have a lengthy list of them, but how we handle them can make all the difference.

“For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.” 2 Corinthians 7.10

Godly sorrow is contrasted with worldly sorrow. Worldly sorrow leads us to wallow in self-pity, negativism, and defeat. Godly sorrow, by comparison, takes restorative steps. Worldly sorrow leads to death, whereas godly sorrows leads to life.

Unless we follow the path of godly sorrow, we will never enter the kingdom of God. Godly sorrow directs us to repentance, and without repentance we cannot come to saving faith.  

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1.15 

“Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2.38

Worldly sorrow paralyzes. It smothers us with overwhelming regret, and a hopeless sense of unworthiness. We are convinced that God can never accept someone so sin-scarred, and thus we never move forward in repentance that leads to forgiveness and grace. 

There is no better example of godly sorrow that the heartfelt words and prayer of King David, recorded in Psalm 51. Worldly sorrow would have led David to a literal dead end; godly sorrow directed him down the road of restoration. 

There is no escaping the reality of sin. You and I will continue to think and do that which is wrong in spite of our best efforts. Our response to sin, however, will make all the difference. Consider the two path before you: worldly sorrow and godly sorrow. Choose the path that leads to life.

Steve

posted by steve @ 8:15 AM  

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