Daily Devotion

 

Steps to True Repentance

by | May 23, 2021 | Daily Devotion, Praying Through The Bible | 0 comments

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Psalm 51:1-6

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.

Psalm 51 is David’s prayer of repentance after he was confronted about his adultery with Bathsheba. Here we find ­­­­seven important steps to true repentance. Let’s start with these three.

  1. Repentance is based on the character of God.

True repentance begins with a plea for mercy based on God’s unfailing love and great compassion. We desire what we don’t deserve, and God promises to deliver.

  1. Repentance acknowledges that all sin is ultimately against God.

Focusing on people leads to rationalizing my sin. My spouse wasn’t “meeting my needs” so I had an affair. Someone “caused” me to sin. But true repentance understands that sin is primarily against the heavenly Father. We have to own our sin.

  1. Repentance accepts the consequences of sin.

The hard truth is that sin, even forgiven sin, has consequences. David professed that God’s verdict is right and his judgments are fair.

Talking Points

  • Confess your sin to God based on his great compassion and love for you.
  • Tell God that you own your sin and know that you have sinned against him.
  • Tell God that you will not question whatever consequences he brings.

Father, help us realize our sin is against you. Don’t let us blame our sin on others. We humbly ask that you give us what we don’t deserve. We base our prayer for forgiveness on your unfailing love and your great compassion. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

We will continue with the steps to true repentance tomorrow.

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