Wasted Resources
April 25, 2024
Whose Heart is Broken?
April 14, 2018
Against Thee, Thee only, I have sinned and done what is evil in Thy sight, so that Thou are justified when Thou dost speak, and blameless when Thou dost judge. – PSALM 51:4 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
The question is not, “Is my heart broken over sin?” Rather, we should ask, “Is my heart broken from sin?” If we focus only on the first question, we may be centering on the regret because of consequences instead of the wonderful release from guilt brought by true repentance. We are concerned primarily for the self, and the impact of sin’s results on us personally.
“I am heartbroken over my sin,” someone may say. But until we understand that our sin breaks God’s heart, we will have only the “sorrow of the world,” which is regret, and not godly sorrow, which is repentance. Regret can be merely the decision not to experience the pain of sin again. Repentance is the decision to turn away from sin itself, because it grieves God.
David was stung by the consequences of his adultery with Bathsheba and instigation of her husband’s murder. Those outcomes washed over his family like a scourging flood. But David really turned around when he realized his sin, ultimately, was against God, the One he loved the most.
Today’s Focus
Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to true repentance, not just regret over consequences.
