“For the grief that God wills brings a repentance that leads to salvation, leaving no regret. But the world’s grief brings death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10, TLV

No Regrets?      Paul’s first letter to the believers in Corinth produced a strong reaction. In this case, it was conviction of their sins — even deep sorrow and grief. But Paul didn’t want to leave them in this state, the endless pit of regret. He didn’t want them to feel isolated from the Father.

For even if I grieved you with my letter, I do not regret it—though I did regret it, for I see that my letter grieved you, but just for a while.  (vs. 8, TLV)

Conviction of our sins produces grief and sorrow. Because when the Holy Spirit reveals our sin, and that what we did was a layer of suffering our Messiah had to endure, it can be overwhelming.

Is this a painful grief? Yes! I remember the first time I realized my Savior saw my sins—the ugliest and most horrible—then carried them to the cross. Tears? Yes.

But as much as it hurts and no matter our shame, our Heavenly Father wants us to take all of this to Him in repentance. Not to prove we messed up by sinning, but so we can be set free of sorrow and regrets.

There are certain sins that I have committed that sometimes “haunt” me. Does that happen to you? When that phantom of shame slithers in, my default reaction is to isolate because the grief returns.

But once I have repented, even if it was years ago, and there are no other unresolved issues, I have to let it go. Sweep it out of my soul because it doesn’t belong there. I choose to trust in my Father’s forgiveness and am grateful.

Forgiving—Our Job

I wonder. If we truly grieved over our sin, then experienced the joy of God’s forgiveness, would it be easier to understand why we need to forgive others? To not imprison them in grief and regrets because of our unforgiveness? Or say we forgive, but remind them repeatedly of their sin or offense because we don’t think they’ve suffered enough—or are repentant enough?

Do we truly walk in gratitude for God’s love and forgive those who sin against us? Not only sin against us, but sin against those we love?

Somehow, I think if I were more grateful then I wouldn’t hesitate to forgive others.

And forgive us our debts
as we also have forgiven our debtors. Matthew 6:12, TLV

Think More About It

Do you struggle with guilt and regret from the past? How does that affect your faith journey?

May we accept God’s forgiveness and live in gratitude, my friends.

Pray for Israel—Prayer Prompt

“For the day of ADONAI is near against all the nations.
As you have done, it shall be done to you.
Your dealing will return on your own head. Obadiah: 15, TLV

Pretty harsh prayer prompt, yes? I was reading Obadiah this morning and there was a clear message for those who seek to destroy Israel and the Jewish people. Not just the local haters, but in the nations, too. It reminds me of God’s Genesis 12:3 proposal and His Genesis 27:29 promise. So, as we pray this reminder—not that God needs that—let us continue to trust in His timing and purposes. Amen? God bless you.