GOD RESPONDS TO A CONTRITE HEART
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it.” Jonah 3:10, ESV
Theme: God responds to genuine repentance.
NAUGHTY CHILDREN
“Say you’re sorry.” Then you hear, “SORRY,” said with a grimace and much attitude.
Parents see this played out often, so they have devised strategies to break the attitudes and bring about reconciliation. I have heard stories of kids placed nose-to-nose and kids stuffed together into a dad’s oversized t-shirt. We were often put into a bedroom with the door closed and told not to come out until we had worked out our issues. I wish stubborn resistance and half-hearted apologies would automatically end with childhood.
Are you a pouter? Easily offended? A holder of grudges? I can be all of these, but none of these mimics the heart of God. He is grace, mercy, and forgiveness. As Jesus reminds us, He wants us to forgive “seventy times seven” and He forgives me so many more times than that! But there is a catch: I must come humbly, aware of my sin and the vast chasm between a holy God and myself. I must confess, repent, and turn from the sin that is separating me from God.
THE LOVINGKINDESS OF GOD
Paul writes to the Romans: “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” (Romans 2:4, NLT). God is not tolerant of sin, but He loves us completely. He is not willing that any of us live a life apart from Him. So, He sent His beloved Son to make a way for us to be saved, cleansed, and eternally alive. His kindness “leads us to repentance,” if we will allow it, if we do not bow up and resist Him. Yet why is it so hard for us to accept God’s forgiveness to them when our enemies genuinely repent?
THE BEAUTY OF A REPENTANT HEART
A verse to memorize is this: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, ESV). Not just a verbal admittance, but a real repentance and turning away from sin. I love that God sees our hearts. Of course He does, just as we recognize a fake “I’m sorry” from naughty children and adults, too! God, like any good parent, responds to humble confession and repentance.
Make It Personal: Are you in need of a clean slate, a fresh start with God? He is willing! He will cleanse and forget forever your sin! Call out to Him and trust His Word, specifically 1 John 1:9.
Are you upset that God has forgiven someone with whom you are still angry or offended? Be glad God is eager to accept those with a repentant heart. As surely as the sun rises each day, each of us will need that grace and forgiveness...probably before the end of the day! What we have been freely given must be given to others.
Pray: Lord God, You are holy. I am a sinner; not only that, but I am also a Pharisee, finding fault with others and refusing to see my own sin. Thank You that Your Spirit calls me to repentance. You are always reaching out, drawing me back to Yourself. Help me to swiftly turn from sin and come back to You. Help me be gracious and merciful to Your children, offering the same forgiveness and love that You so continuously offer to me. In the Name of Christ Jesus, amen.
Read: Isaiah 55:7, 57:15; Psalm 51:16-17; Micah 7:18-19; Colossians 2:13-14; Matthew 6:12
Weekly Memory Verse: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” Psalm 51:17, ESV