Last week we saw the parts of repentance that faced God (submit to God and return to God), now, toward self, there are two more: wash and wail. Wash your hands (take action against sin) and your heart (deal with the sin beneath the sin - forsake the thoughts, attitudes, etc.), and be broken in sorrow. Not every sin calls for the extremes of this, but if there is lingering guilt, distance from God, lack of joy, lack of willingness to do right, repetitive failure, lack of fruitfulness, or unforgiveness, then it may be due to inadequate repentance. Bring full sorrow by humbly accepting the Word, confessing to God and people, and realizing what has been forfeited. |
