Today’s Scripture: John 8:10-11; 1 Corinthians 6:10-11; 2 Corinthians 7:10
Yesterday we considered what it means to forgive ourselves for past sins. Forgiveness is one thing. But, regretting what we’ve done is another.
Every one of us has done something we regret. We wish we could go back and redo an action or take back our words. Maybe a sin we committed was so terrible that, even though we’ve been forgiven, we still carry remorse. Regrets are normal. But, living with regrets is not a good thing. Paul said, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret . . .”
Look again at what Jesus said to the adulterous woman—“Has no one condemned you? Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.” Not only did Jesus exonerate her from sin. He exhorted her to walk away from that lifestyle—including the memory of and the regret for. No doubt when she left the Lord’s presence, she was more overwhelmed by His act of mercy than she was her own act of sin.
Regrets are the devil’s way of keeping guilt alive. When we live with regrets, we are minimizing God’s grace and highlighting the devil’s deceit. Let’s choose to emphasize the power of the Lord and be overwhelmed by His mercy.
- What overwhelms you more—your past wrong-doings or God’s mercy? How can you focus less on your past and more on His grace?
- How will your relationship with the Lord be different after this week’s quest?