In our "Embers to a Flame" class, we have been challenged to seek repentance, both as individuals and as a church. Repentance seems like such a mournful process, so why would anyone head in this direction? Let me suggest just a few of the benefits of walking with a repentant attitude:
The Fruits of Repentance
- Intimacy with God. The main reason to seek repentance is because God loves to get close to those with a broken heart and contrite spirit (Isaiah 57:15, Isaiah 66:2b). Remember the definition of repentance is, "turning away from sin by God's grace for purposes of reconciliation to him and intimacy with him".
Honesty in prayer. When we realize that God loves us as we are, not as we have been pretending to be, a great freedom and honesty before God gives vitality to our prayer life. To "confess" literally means to agree with God's assessment with things. Grace allows us to be honest before God
- Empathy with the lost. As we grow honest with God and ourselves, there is a natural transition to start loving sinners where they are, not where they are pretending to be – or where you think they should be.
- Humility with the saints. Humility is the oil on the gears of interpersonal relationships. Anger and bitterness are stiff, brittle things. Humility softens hearts, allows love to flow to the undeserving, and grants the supernatural ability to put the needs of others before your own.
Well, I am sure you could add many other "fruits" to this list. But I do hope I have primed the pump for us all to seek a humble repentance and a repentant humility!
The well wisher of your soul's happiness,
Pastor Tom
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