LIVE A LIFE OF GENUINE REPENTANCE

SUB-THEME: PRINCIPLES OF UNLIMITED ADVANCEMENT AND ALL-ROUND FRUITFULNESS

TOPIC: LIVE A LIFE OF GENUINE REPENTANCE

TEXTS: 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 66:18

The word "repentance," as defined by the Cambridge Dictionary, is "the fact of showing that you are very sorry for something bad you have done in the past and wish that you had not done it."

Synonyms of repentance include "penitence," "remorseful," "contrite," etc.

Repentance involves a heartfelt sorrow before God for one's sins and prompt action to correct them. It demands a resolve not to go back to a life of wickedness.

The adjective "genuine" presupposes that there is a "fake" repentance, which by implication is the kind of repentance that is insincere, peripheral, hypocritical, etc. Fake repentance is seen in a life that appears to have external signs of positive change and penitence, but deep in the heart, there is a longing or hunger for sin. When one's repentance is not genuine, one would readily practice sinful behaviour at any slightest opportunity. For instance, Aaron and the people of Israel quickly went back to their old life of idolatry in the absence of Moses. (Exodus 32:1-4)

God calls His people to a life of genuine repentance. The Lord does not hear anyone who cherishes sin in the heart (Psalm 66:18). The life of sin hinders answers to prayers.

In our text, 2 Chronicles 7:14, God assures His people of forgiveness of sin, answered prayers, and healing. "Healing" in this context is a state of soundness: physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially.

When there is forgiveness of sin, answered prayers, and healing, the resultant effect is unlimited advancement and all-round fruitfulness.

Beloved, there is a whole lot to gain and nothing to lose when we make a deliberate effort to forsake the old life of sin and embrace a life of righteousness. Genuine repentance is possible when we willingly submit our lives to God (James 4:7), and it is sustained by absolute faith in Jesus Christ as well as God's grace and power (John 1:12; Eph 2:8–9; Galatians 3:26).

Prayer: Lord Jesus, may I encounter you today, turn from my wicked way, and experience the bountiful blessings associated with genuine repentance. Amen.