Repentance = I Quit

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. – 2 Corinthians 7:10

Thought for the Day:

Jesus didn’t die so we’d be sorry. He died and then was resurrected so we’d be changed. – Steven Furtick

My heart is stirred this morning to say it’s time to quit.

Not ministry. Not a relationship. But to quit being critical of someone I love very much. The crazy thing is, I’m not a critical person. But I’ve found myself slipping into a pattern of giving this person what she gives me.

She criticizes. So I’ve started criticizing back. A lot. And I’m feeling very convicted this morning that I need to model a different attitude and approach to life.

My pastor recently said something very convicting: “Jesus didn’t die so we’d be sorry. He died and then was resurrected so we’d be changed.”

Changed.

There is a big difference between being sorry and being changed. To be sorry means to feel bad. It’s a temporary little prick of the heart. But change only comes when we’re repentant. Being repentant is a deeper conviction to actually correct and transform our behavior – our habit – our unglued reactions.

The apostle Paul writes, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow leads to death” (2 Corinthians 7:10). Sorrow that leaves no regret – those are powerful and challenging words.

I want to live a life of no regrets.

And I think today is a really good day to address something that could lead to a big ol’ pile of regret. So each time I’m feeling the need to criticize, I’m going to see it as a call to flip my words to encouragement. I might still need to address some issues with this person, but I will do it by pointing out her strengths and the responsibilities that come with those strengths rather than constantly focusing on weaknesses.

For example, “You are an influencer! Have you noticed that when you are happy others are happy, but when you are negative, it really affects those around you? I need your help to keep things positive today. Do you think you can accept this leadership role? How can you be a positive influence in this situation?”

I’m not naive enough to think this will be easy. I will need grace. This person will need grace. But at least if I’m aware of how I need to change, I can set change in motion.

Are you up for quitting some old habit, negative attitude, or wrong tendency? What can you quit today?

Dear Lord, I’m ready to quit. Instead of critical words, I want to speak kind and encouraging ones. Please give me the help I need to make this shift. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Excerpted with permission from Unglued Devotional – 60 Days of Imperfect Progress by Lysa TerKeurst, copyright Zondervan, 2012.

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Your Turn

The fruit of repentance is quitting — being changed by God! Are you ready to quit? How can you encourage those around you instead of criticize? To whom do you need to extend extra grace and mercy? Join the conversation on our blog! We would love to hear from you! ~ Devotionals Daily