Examinations

2 Corinthians 13
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
2 Corinthians 13:5


LET IT GLOW

Verse 11 says, "Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you."

Paul is closing his letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. (NLT)

The New John Gill Exposition of the Entire Bible says:

• be perfect-seek after perfection in knowledge, grace, and holiness, and in the performance of good works: or "be restored"; or jointed and knit together, as before. (verse 9)
• be of one mind-in the doctrines and principles of grace, and ordinances of the Gospel for there is one faith, one baptism.
• live in peace-both with them that are without, and them that are within, with all men, and with the members of the church.
• the God of love and peace shall be with you-He who is love (Himself), has loved His people with an everlasting love, and who is the author and donor of spiritual and eternal peace, has called His people to peace, and expects and requires it among themselves, and all men, will grant to such His gracious presence.

David Guzik challenges us, "It costs something to work hard to be of good comfort, be of one mind, to live in peace. But the reward is worth it: the God of love and peace be with you. If you feel that God isn't with you, perhaps it is because you are resisting and rejecting His call to be of good comfort, be of one mind, and to live in peace."

Concerning this verse, Liberty Bible Commentary has this to say:

Maturity, contentment, unity, and harmony, reflected in these terms, answer to the immaturity, unrest, divisiion, and quarreling so evident in the Corinthian assembly.

It sounds like good advice to me.


LET IT GROW

Who likes examinations? Probably no one does, unless it is the prepared person. There are all kinds of exams-school exams, semester exams, state board exams, when doctors exam your body, when a mechanic examines your automobile, etc. I can do all right on minor exams, but it's those timed ones that throw me.
Ususally, we don't require an exam on the knowledge of the Bible or do an examination of another Christian's life. In the final chapter, Paul tells his readers to examine themselves. I want to dig deeper here.

NLT says this in verse 5, "Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith."

"Paul's critics were prepared to examine him, to see if he was rightly related to Christ. He asks them to subject themselves to the same scrutiny," states  Liberty Bible Commentary.

The word reprobate is used in the King James Version.
Reprobate means that which fails to meet a test and is thus rejected as unworthy or unacceptable, as impure silver; or persons. (Holman Bible Dictionary)

Paul is telling the Corinthians to examine themselves to see if Christ is in their heart. If He isn't, then they are reprobates, counterfeits (Falwell uses that term.). So the same can be true of people today. They can be counterfeits, like silver or a coin. It can look like the real thing on the outside, but is not real on the inside.

David Guzik tells us, "Ask yourself 'Am I really a Christian?' "
Spurgeon said, " Do not merely sit in your closet and look at yourself alone, but go out into this busy world
and see what kind of piety you have. Many a man's religion will stand examination what will not stand proof."

Perhaps Spurgeon is talking about works (loving actions) as an evidence or proof of our faith. Is there evidence of Christ in my life?


LET IT GO

Live in peace and unity with others.

Do spiritual self-examinations often.

[Our next lesson is a summary of 2 Corinthians.]

Sufficiency and Strength

2 Corinthians 12
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
And He said unto me, "My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.    2 Corinthians 12:7-9


LET IT GLOW


Thorns, no one likes them.
 Last summer I spent several weeks going to the blackberry patch, picking blackberries. It wasn't an easy task, as some of you country folk may well know. Those big, lucious, sweet blackberries grew on  thorny bushes. Now when they are together in a brier patch, it can be quite a challenge to pick the berries. I learned years ago to wear an old, long sleeved shirt for the task because those prickly thorns reached out and grabbed ya, but didn't want to let go. Sometimes the thorns ripped my shirt; sometimes they ripped my skin, making me bleed. When surrounded by those thorny bushes, I often used my bucket as a way out of the mess I was in the middle of. (Please excuse my grammar.) It was a successful technique. Because those blackberries were
wonderful in cobblers or made "out of this world" jelly, I kept going back, enduring the hardships, and picking more berries.
As you well know, life has its lucious berries and prickly thorns. Satan sees to that. How did Paul endure all those hardships just mentioned in the last chapter? He tells us in the key verses.

I found some answers in The New John Gill Exposition of the Entire Bible:

Thorns are not joyous, are grievous to the flesh, come not by chance, but by divine appointment, are designed and made use of, are to hide pride from men, are sometimes by divine permission. Ezekiel 28:13 talks about prickling briers and grieving thorns.


I asked, "How did Paul manage?"
Paul prayed three times for the thorn to be removed, but Jesus answered, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."

"Paul could not remove the affliction that God had given him, an affliction that made him depend on God. God will bring you to the point of weakness if that is what it takes to bring you to trust in Him. Do not despise your weakness, for it leads you to trust in God's strength," states Henry Blackaby in Experiencing God day-By-Day.

Gill says, "God is all sufficient (Shaddai) in Gen. 17:1. Grace of Christ is alone sufficient for all his people, to all saving purposes, in all their times of need. The strength of Christ is made to appear, is illustrated and shines forth in its perfection and glory, in supplying, supporting, and strengthening His people under all their weakness. Paul is content things should be as they were, since he had such a promise of sufficiency of grace to bear him up, under, and through whatever was the pleasure of God concerning him; Satan was not able to make any advantaage over him.

In Mary A. Kassian's book, Knowing God By Name, she says:

Sufficiency means a sufficient amount; large enough supply, plenty, adequate, ample.
Everything that God is, is more than enough. His names of sufficiency reflect the fact that all of us will find everthing we need in Him. He is our all in all.
We will have ALL sufficiency in ALL things at ALL times...all grace.
2 Cor. 9:8 states, "God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work." (ESV)


Falwell said, "The trial will remain but accompanied always by the enduring grace of God."


So when those prickly thorns come into my life, God's grace is all sufficient, enough for me to handle them.
I, for one, need to be reminded of this from time to time. Grace, grace, God's grace. Grace that is greater than all my sin, as the song goes.
Thank You Lord for Your never ending grace.


LET IT GROW

Verse 10 reads, "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."

John Gill said, "All these affliction were so delightful to Paul, having in the midst of them the love of God to comfort him, the power and strength of Christ to support him, and the grace of the Spirit to assist him. He was upheld by the divine arm and strengthened by the power of Christ; he became more than a conqueror.  Paul is weak in himself, strong in Christ."

Matthew Henry stated, "God often brings good out of evil. The thorns Christ wore for us, and with which He was crowned, sanctify and make easy all the thorns in the flesh we may at any time be afflicted with."

There we have it, I am weak, but He is strong. All I have to do is admit that, reach out to Him for it, and receive His strength to endure.


LET IT GO

Seek the God of all-sufficient grace.

Admit my weaknesses and depend upon His strength.

Bargains

2 Corinthians 11
Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.        2 Corinthians 11:23

I love to go bargain hunting. In fact, usually, the first place upon entering a store, is the bargain rack. Any purchases made at a bargain prices causes me to look at the ticket and add up how much I saved. After sorting through the bargains, then I "graze along" looking through the regaularly priced items.  (It's my hubby's description of me, which means like an old cow who keeps eating without lifting her head up, I shop similiarly.)

In  Liberty Bible Commentary, Falwell states:
Discipleship cannot be purchased at bargain prices (Luke 9:23 states what Jesus said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."). The cost exacted of the Apostle Paul is measured by the tabulation which follows. (verses 24-27)
What Paul does here is demonstrate the depth of his commitment by delineating the sufferings and trial he endured because of it.

"Paul had been an extraordinary sufferer for Christ; he gloried in the grace of God that had enabled him to be more abundant in labors and to endure very great sufferings," said Matthew Henry.

As we recall, Paul wrote 13 books (letters) of the New Testament. What did Paul  endure as he spread the gospel?

• severe beatings (verse 23)
• exposure to death (verse 23)
• five times received 39 lashes (verse 24)
• 3 times beaten with rods (verse 25)
• 3 times shipwrecked (verse 25)
• robbers (verse 26)
• dangerous rivers (verse 26)
• dangers from false brothers (verse 26)
• sleeplessness (verse 25)
• hunger (verse 27)
• thirst (verse 27)
• cold and nakedness (verse 27)
• hidden in a basket and smuggled out of Damascus (verse 33, Acts 9:25)

What a list!  I see that I need a  more endurance without complaining after reading this.


LET IT GROW

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works," reads verses 13-15.

Shepherd's Notes says it this way, "They were false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. Worse still, their behavior proved that they were servants of Satan, not apostles of Christ. Like Satan, they disguised themselves with the appearance of righteousness. False teachers would face God's judgment."  (see 5:10)

"The prince of darkness puts on the garb of light and sets the fashion for his followers in the masquerade to deceive the saints," A.T.Robertson said.

Masquerade means a disguise; concealment; false pretense, according to Webster's Dictionary.

When Paul learned that false teachers had caused Christians in Corinth to stumble in their faith, Paul burned with indignation," says Henry Blackaby. (see verse 29 of NKJV)

Indignation is righteous anger over injustice. (Webster's Dictionary)

Falwell said, "The apostle is deeply concerned about the weaker brethren and he "burned" with indignation when he thought of those who would lead them astray."

"False apostles my have a "good appearance." Don't be taken in by image or outward appearances," warns David Guzik.

"Satan is a roaring lion, and angel of light who persuades men to do things under the name of religion," said Clarke.

Not only is Paul warning the Corinthians, but us also. Let's look out for false teachers masquerading around. I sure don't want to be deceived by them. I'll make sure that God's Word, the Word of Truth, is what my teachers use.


LET IT GO

Glory in the grace of God when I suffer for Him.

Know the Bible so I can recognize a false teacher.

Opinions and Strongholds

2 Corinthians 10
For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.
2 Corinthians 10:18


LET IT GLOW

Who doesn't like praise and compliments? I certainly do. When was the last time I was complimented on a meal or dish which I really worked hard to make? I don't remember, actually. I do remember the last time I was complimented on an outfit I was wearing. How about a job well done? Can't recall.  What about  you?
Any thanks lately? It puts an "umph" into our step, a smile on our face, and a warm feeling inside, doesn't it?
Of course, everyone has an opinion and often expresses it, whether in the form of a  praise or criticism. That's why "they're a dime a dozen," as the cliche goes.
However, Paul tells us whose commendation is the most important-the Lord's.

In Experiencing God Day-By-Day, Blackaby says:

Whose opinion matters most to you? It is common for all of us to seek approval for our actions.
We value opinions of our friends, colleagues, employers. The esteem of others can claim such importance that it becomes our way to measure our worth as a person.
The affirmation "Well done!" that Jesus received from the Father became Paul's goal as well. After his conversioon, Paul understood that God's evaluation of his actions was what mattered, not his own opinion of himself.
The commendation that matters most is the one that comes from God.


LET IT GROW

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (Verses 3-5)

John Gill tells us that we are to use our spiritual weapons in this war-Scripture of truth, sword of the Spirit, Word of God, the whole armor of God (Eph. 6).

David Guzik says," The spiritual weapons Paul used were the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, sword of the spirit. The weapons were mighty in God for pulling down strongholds! When we fight with truth, righteousness, evangelism, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer, no principality or power can stand against us."

Matthew Henry states, "Ignorance, prejudices, beloved lusts are Satan's strong holds in the souls of some; vain imaginations, carnal reasonings, and high thoughts, or proud conceits, in others. These strong holds are pulled down by the gospel as the means, throught the grace and power of God."

Shepherd's Notes states: A stronghold  is a fortress. The military had a practice of building strongholds. "Paul described the fortification of the soul by reasonable arguments to render it impregnable under attack of adverse fortune," says Colin Kruse.

Okay, I know that I'm in a spiritual battle, so I need those weapons that are spiritual. What are some practical ways to overcome these strongholds? I found the answer in the following book.

"When Godly People Do Ungodly Things"  by Beth Moore:
The very nature of a stronghold is that something is exalted in our minds contrary to the knowledge of God.
Breaking free from these mentally obsessive strongholds always requires bringing those previously exalted imaginations into the captivity of Christ's authority. We have divine power to demolish strongholds.

Our weaknesses and areas of ignorance are huge vulnerabilities to seduction, which can quickly lead to sins committed inadvertently. We know that Satan's seduction is purposeful, scheming, and utterly intended for evil. It is well planned and timed; nothing about it is accidental or conincidental.

A concise profile of a seduce-proofed Christian:
1. He is happy in his faith.
    1 Thessalonians 5:16, "Rejoice always!" (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
2. She abstains from evil.
    1 Thessalonians 5:22, "Stay away from every form of evil" (HCSB).
3. He is unceasing in prayer.
    1 Thessalonians 5:17, "Pray without ceasing."
4. She is thankful and gives thanks.
    1 Thessalonians 5:18, "Give thanks in everything" (HCSB).
5. He doesn't quench the Spirit.
    1 Thessalonians 5:19, "Don't stifle the Spirit" (HCSB).
6. She does not despise instruction, exhortation, or warning.
    1 Thessalonians 5:20,"Don't despise prophecies" (HCSB).
7. He tests and proves all things until he recognizes what is good.
    1 Thessalonians 5:21, "Test all things. Hold on to what is good" (HCSB).
8. She allows God Himself to sanctify her through and through.
    1 Thessalonians 5:23, "May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through."
9. His whole spirit, soul, and body are kept blameless.
    1 Thessalonians 5:23, "May your spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless" (HCSB).
10. She knows that the One who called her is faithful and He will do it.
      1 Thessalonians 5:24, "He who call you is faithful, who also will do it" (HCSB).
11. He knows he needs prayer.
       1 Thessalonians 5:25, "Brothers, pray for us also" (HCSB).

Examine your own life. Can you see where the enemy is laying groundwork to defeat you? Maybe it is a relationship, a business deal, an addiction, or something that consumes you.
The mind is the biggest battlefield we have on which our spiritual battles are fought. The serpent could get to us with wholehearted, sincere, and pure devotion to Christ by seducing and corrupting our minds.
 (2 Cor. 11:2-3) Let God sanctify us through and through-all the way to the inner court of our minds.
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." Mark 12:30

It looks like I need to rememorize 1 Thess.5:16-25 and Eph. 6:10-18.
(Sorry this was so long, but I felt it was needful.)


LET IT GO

Strive to please the Lord.

Keep my spirit, soul, and body blameless.

Stay pure in my thoughts.

My Cup Overflows

2 Corinthians 9
But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8


LET IT GLOW

Don't we like those free gifts? One came to me yesterday in the mail, after I researched this chapter, getting it ready to post. What a surprise it was, a refund on prescriptions bought years ago. One hundred dollars! The company had overcharged and was forced to refund its customers. (It wasn't free to the company, who had to fork out the money.) My husband asked what I was going to do with it. I replied,"buy more medicine next week."
I think God was using this for an illustration for us concerning this chapter about giving. I had decided to give something to a family in need and God blessed my gift before it got out of the house. I had purposed it in my heart to give. Wait a minute. Why not give the money, too? The family could certainly need it more than I, since their house burned last week. Okay Lord. my cup overflows. I have clothes on back, a warm house to live in, food on my table, and Jesus in my heart. What more do I need?

How about you? When was the last time you gave someone a free gift, expecting nothing in return?
(Note: I'm only telling this to show how our Lord keeps His Word, not to toot my own horn.)

Verse 15 tells us,"Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift."
NLT says it this way, "Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!"
NAS says,"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!"
Beck Version tells us,"Thanks be to God for His gift that is more than we can tell."

This "gift" which Paul is talking about, is in reference to the gift of God's Son, Jesus Christ. He is given to us out of love, an indescribable gift. He is our salvation, dying in our place as payment for our sins.
Romans 6:23b states,"but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Ephensians 2:8-9 explains,"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
We can't work for this gift, earn it, or deserve it by birth right. It is a free gift for us to reach out and receive by faith, believing in Jesus. It can't get any better than that, can it? Certainly it is incomprehensible that someone would die for me, a sinner. Thank you Jesus!


LET IT GROW

Looking at our key verses, we see the "sow-reap" principle. An example of this is when the farmer sows seed for his crops. If he sows just a little seed, he will only get a small harvest; if he sows much seed, he will get a large harvest. So it is with us. We will get a return on what we have sown.

What do we reap when we give?
David Guzik answers, "Blessings that are both material and spiritual. Materially, we can trust that God will provide for the giving heart. (Philippians 4:19) Spiritually, we can trust that God will reward the giving heart both now and in eternity. (Matthew 19:29)"

Guzik went on to say,"Every Christian should be a giver. Not grudgingly (reluctantly, regretfully given with plenty of complaining) or of necessity (made to give or minipulated). A cheerful giver (cheerful in the Greek is the word hilaros, is root for our English word hilarious) God wants us to give happily, because that's how God Himself gives! Jesus taught even the smallest gift, if given with the right heart, would not go unrewarded (Matt. 1:42)."

Does that put a different perspective on it?

In the devotional book, Experiencing God Day-By-Day, Blackaby said:

"If God finds in you a generous heart that willingly and freely gives what it has to others, then God responds toward you in like manner. Let us choose to sow generously in everything we do in our Christian lives. The harvest we reap will be Christlikeness."
Concerning verse 8, Blackaby said, "When you relate to God you always deal with abundance, for God does nothing in half measures! This is true regarding His grace. He is not miserly when it comes to providing grace to His servants. When you seek to perform a good work that God has asked you to do, you will always find an ample supply of God's grace to sustain you."


LET IT GO

Thank You Lord for Your free gift to me and others.

Use me to share Your love today.

Show me the needs of others and help me meet those needs, materially or spiritually.

For Richer or For Poorer

2 Corinthians 8
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.   2 Corinthians 8:9


Background:

Liberty Bible Commentary says:

Chapters 8 and 9 of this epistle concern the offering for the poor saints at Jerusalem. It took 8 years to accomplish; involved thousands of miles of travel; at least 10 collectors involved; nearly cost Paul his life and did cost him much of his freedom. An earthquake and crop failures contributed to their needs at Jerusalem church.
Paul had a definite plan of missionary giving becoming a primary part of every church Paul established.(1Cor.16:1). There was careful, businesslike handling of all the finances. Each was to vote their own financial representative (verse 23).
Paul never calls the offering "money" because he never seems to think of it as such. Instead, he calls it "grace,"  "generosity," " blessing," or " partnership." He speaks of the "grace of giving" as one of the highest Christian virtues.


LET IT GLOW

Did your marriage vows include "for richer or for poorer?"  Ours did. Of course, that was 38 years agoand the preacher already had the vows written. Nowadays, they write their own vows and say whatever. Jesus was both rich and poor. How as that?


How was Jesus rich? He was equal with God in power and glory, rich in all the glory and blessedness of the upper world.

How was Jesus poor? He became man for us, and poor. He was born in poor circumstances, lived a poor life, and died in poverty.

How does that effect us? Jesus became poor for our sakes, so through His poverty we might be rich.

Rich is what? So we can be rich in love and favor with God, rich in blessings and promises of the new covenant, rich in hopes of eternal life, being heirs of the kingdom.

This is a good reason why we should be charitable to the poor out of what we have, because we ourselves live upon the charity of the Lord Jesus Christ.
[Resource: Matthew Henry's Commentary]

"Why would Jesus need to become poor for our sakes? It fulfilled the heart, will, and plan of God, making salvation possible," said David Guzik.

My, I'm so grateful that Jesus became poor so I can be rich in Him.


LET IT GROW

Verse 21 says, "Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men."

John Gill tells us, "Maintain a good reputation, good opinions, credit among people and the Lord Jesus Christ."

Those who handle money in the church should have those qualities. They should be trustworthy and above reproach, and accountable,  in my opinion.

I think Paul would challenge us to be honest in all things, in the sight of Jesus and people.


LET IT GO

I want to be spiritually rich.

Share my riches, spiritually and materially.

Always be honest.

Promises, Promises

2 Corinthians 7
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.   2 Corinthians 7:1


LET IT GLOW

"I promise you I will...."
Have we heard that line or spoken it ourselves just to turn around and break the promise we made? Maybe I didn't use the word "promise," but I said I would do something and then not do it. Guilty. What happened to the days of "one's word"  being worth a hand shake or signing on the dotted line? It's gone, I'm afraid. We don't take our words, promises,  serious enough. That's why there are 20 pages to sign when one takes out a loan at the bank. They cover all bases, don't they? And so it should be for their protection.
Promises, promises. What things do I say I will do, and don't do it? What things do I say I won't do, but do it? Something to consider.
Matthew 5:37 tells us,"But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay; for whatasoever is more than these cometh of evil."

A promise, according to Webster's Dictionary, is one's pledge to another that one will or will not do something.; give one's word to.

I'm here to tell you that there is one who keeps his promises-our Heavenly Father, God. If He says it, we can "take it to the bank" so to speak. Look at the first verse again. I had to ask, "What promises is Paul talking about?"

Here's what The New John Gill Exposition of the Entire Bible says they are:

• That God will walk in His temple (us) (2 Cor. 6:16).
• He will dwell in His churches.
• He will be their God, and they His people.
• He will receive them (2 Cor. 6:17).
• He will be their Father, and they His sons and daughters (2 Cor. 6:18).
• He will give them a new heaven and new earth.
• Christ will come back to receive His believers.
• They had communion with God.
• They were received, protected, and preserved by Him.
• They had promises and blessings of grace, absolute and unconditional.

It sounds like a good beginning of a list. There are hundreds of promises in the Bible. What He made to the people in the Old and New Testament times, applies to us, brothers and sisters.

Will you share with us one of your favorites?
Mine is found in Hebrews 13:5, which quotes parts of Gen.28: and Joshua 1:5, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."


LET IT GROW

Verse 10 in the NLT states,"For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There's no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death."

Blackaby says in the devotional book, Experiencing God Day-By-Day:

There is a difference between worldly sorrow and  godly sorrow, though both are deeply felt. You can feel genuine sorrow over something you have done. Your mind can become consumed with your failure and offense against God and others. Judas had this kind of sorrow. He betrayed the Son of God for thirty pieces of silver, the standard price of a slave. Yet his sorrow did not lead him to repent and to seek restoration with his fellow disciples, but rather to a lonely field where, in his anguish, he took his own life (Matt. 27:3-5). Judas carried his sorrow to his grave.
How different Peter's sorrow was! Peter, too, failed Jesus on the night of His crucifixion. Peter also went out and wept bitterly (Luke 22:62). Yet Peter returned to Jesus and reaffirmed his love for Him (John 21:15-17). Peter was not only remorseful; he was also repentant. Peter's life changed. There is no record of Peter ever denying his Lord again, even when he was persecuted and threatened with death. Peter repented, turned his life around, and never committed that sin again.

Which reaction will (we) I have?
God wants the godly kind of sorrow which leads us away from sin and to repentance. God sees my heart and knows if I am sincerely sorry for my sins.


LET IT GO

Keep my promises.

Repent with godly sorrow and turn away from that sin.