Repentance is a Beautiful Thing
2 Corinthians 7:10,11—"For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what vindication! At every point, you proved yourselves innocent n this matter.
Repentance is evidence of the transformational gospel in Christian life. Nothing matters more in my clients' lives than genuine repentance when struggling with habitual sin. It is a beautiful thing to witness. Why? Repentance brings life! Without it, the client will be unable to live out of their new heart in Christ.
Paul was encouraged by the godly sorrow demonstrated in the Church at Corinth after his first letter to them. He described in 2 Corinthians 7:10,11 the characteristics of repentance.
• Earnestness: Sincere conviction that demonstrates aggressively pursuing righteousness. This attitude ends indifference and complacency toward sin.
• Clearing of yourselves: A desire to clear one's name by doing whatever it takes to restore trust and confidence.
• Indignation: Genuine repentance leads to righteous anger over one's sin and displeasure at the shame it has brought on the Lord's name.
• Fear/Reverence - a healthy fear of God that acknowledges His perspective regarding sin leading to genuine repentance.
• Longing: Refers to the willingness of the repentant person to restore the relationship of the one they have sinned against.
• Zeal: This refers to loving someone or something so much that one hates anyone or anything that harms the object of his love.
• Vindication: refers to the desire to see divine justice done. The repentant person no longer tries to hide his sin and protect himself—he wants to know that the sin avenged no matter what it would cost him.
• Innocent in the matter: The essence of repentance is an aggressive pursuit of holiness out of conviction and not condemnation. The Greek word for clear means "pure" or "holy." They demonstrated the integrity of their repentance by their purity.
Thank you for your prayers and continued support in helping hurting people. I pray that the Lord will use these posts to encourage and help you in your walk with Jesus!