2 Corinthians 7.9–10
9 As it is, I rejoice,
not because you were grieved,
but because you were grieved into repenting.
For you felt a godly grief,
so that you suffered no loss through us.
10 For godly grief produces a repentance
that leads to salvation without regret,
whereas worldly grief produces death.
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A critical part of my daily transformation is repentance. It’s not enough to simply acknowledge the beauty of Jesus, because I often desire Him in addition to my worldly desires and sin. It’s also not enough to only acknowledge my sins, because I can continue in them even after I confess them. I must also pray for repentance, which is to actually turn from sin and turn towards Christ.
But how does true repentance happen? For many, we may think it is some type of forcible beating up and condemning of ourselves because we feel so badly about what we have done. And while godly grief and sorrow must be an early element of repentance, true repentance is not fueled by condemnation, but by acceptance.
God motivates us
from acceptance,
not toward it.
In my self-righteous and performance-driven thinking, I believe I must work to earn God’s acceptance. My repentance, I’m at times convinced, is what gains back His favor. But this is completely antithetical to the Gospel. Paul told the Galatians that if that were the case, then Jesus died for no reason (Galatians 2.20-21).
Religion:
I obey,
therefore I am accepted
Faith:
I am accepted,
therefore I obey
But repentance is truly a miracle! That a sinner would truly turn from his ways is only an act of God Himself! True repentance comes when my heart is overcome by the beauty of God’s love towards me. If I am in sin, or hardened by my sin, though I still may have need to see how bitter and awful my sin is, to find myself coming out of that sin I must firstly behold how sweet my Savior’s love is. When I see that, my worship will turn from my idols and the things I am chasing and will become newly directed toward my Lord, because sin at its core is a worship issue. When I have chosen to worship, love, and adore idols and things of the flesh to give me satisfaction, identity, and value that only Christ can give, my heart needs to be redirected.
I worship my way
into sin,
so I must worship my way
out of sin.
The Gospel gives me the escape route out of sin and into the enjoyment of the true freedom of the love and acceptance of God.
Read Again Out Loud and Make it into a Prayer:
2 Corinthians 3.18
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Psalm 25
By Jobey McGinty and Ryan Hogan
Personalize and Read or Pray Aloud:
Turn, oh Lord, be gracious toward me
I’m alone and afflicted in tears
For the troubles of my heart overflow
Lift me from my distresses and fears
Oh I’m raising up my wearied soul,
O God, in You do I hope!
That I may know Your ways,
and be led in Your truth
O Lord, You guard my Salvation!
My refuge, my God of Salvation!
Oh remember not the sins of my youth
But consider Your steadfast love
For Your Name’s sake, pardon my guilt
For it’s great, but Your mercy is strong
Lead me, Lord, and humble my heart
Teach this sinner Your way
All Your paths are paved
with the faithfulness
And friendship of Your covenant love
We lift our eyes as sinners to You, Lord
Spare us from the enemy’s net
Help us abide in You,
for none who wait for You
Will ever be put to shame
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Pray Aloud:
Father, help ________ to keep in step
with Your Spirit today.
Help ______ to follow You
and lift up Your Name,
that ______ might carry
Your aroma through the day.
Give _______ daily bread,
so that Your promises would keep ________ heart,
which is prone to wander,
anchored closely to You.
Lead ________ away from temptation,
but instead be brought back
to Your truth and presence.
