Have you ever been confronted by somebody when you knew you were in the wrong? As a counselor, there have been many times when I’ve witnessed a spouse calling out their partner for some glaring, painful sin. When this happens, I’ve consistently seen one of two reactions take place: ownership or defensiveness. It’s hard to hear the truth about ourselves. To not only stare our failure in the face, but also have somebody else observe it too, can feel shameful.
Whether we respond with ownership or defensiveness is a matter of the heart—of course, all of this is presuming the confrontation takes place in a godly manner. I’m not talking about unhealthy conflict or persecution that is neither godly nor loving. But when our flaws are confronted or even rebuked in love, as Paul did with the Corinthians, how we respond shows what we believe about the gospel. Are we going to allow the Spirit to convict our hearts, or are we going to cover our ears and point the blame elsewhere?
While it’s scary to admit we don’t have it all together, when we do acknowledge our sin we can turn toward Jesus in repentance and know we are forgiven. When our sin saddens us, we experience “godly grief,” which “produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly grief produces death” (2Corinthian 7:10).
This is a heart pain we will never regret. If we’re not torn up by our brokenness, we won’t understand how badly we need to be saved from ourselves. As Jesus said, “It is not those who are well who need a doctor, but those who are sick. I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17).
If we’re honest, it’s exhausting, trying to manage our sin and remain pure in our own strength. Thankfully, it’s okay to admit we’re a mess! If we didn’t have a forgiving God, that would be a different story. But Scripture tells us that “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1John 1:9). Because Jesus’s sacrificial blood covers us so completely, the Father will never again look on us with anything but steadfast, unwavering love. We can take responsibility for our wrongdoing because our God is outlandishly gracious. Of course, we shouldn’t abuse the Lord’s grace by purposely sinning (Romans 6:1–4). But when we do fail, we can remember the story of the prodigal son returning home and his forgiving father running toward him, arms opened wide to welcome him (Luke 15:20).
In the same way, our Father in heaven runs to embrace His returning children. Our sins are already forgiven in the finished work of Jesus. When we turn to God in repentance, we are returning our gaze back to the One who longs to be gracious to us and show us compassion, over and over again (Isaiah 30:18).
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110 thoughts on "Joy and Repentance"
I’m grateful for a forgiving and gracious Lord. I give repentance and turn away from my distractions. I keep my eyes on Christ ❤️
I pray that I would always be open to the conviction of the Holy Spirit.
Dear she’s, I have not been able to keep up with the reading due to my eyes. The pain was so bad and I couldn’t open my eyes some days. The initial stage of treatment started but not much improvement. The doctor hopes the eye drops can glue the torn cornea tissues back. It is so painful. I would appreciate your prayers that I can recover well with a good heart. There has been temptation to resent God. I don’t understand but I know God is good. Thank you she’s.❤️
I’m praying for you, Mercy! I can’t imagine the pain in you eyes. I will pray that the eye drops will glue the torn tissue. I have wet AMD and get injections regularly in both eyes. It’s not very pleasant, but glad there is medication to preserve my eyesight. I’m praying for a swift and complete healing.
Prayers for healing and that it’s soon.❤️
Prayers for speedy and full recovery, Mercy. I am sorry for your troubles.. Prayers covered in love and hugs for you.❤
I have been missing you Mercy! Sorry I should have reached out to you! :( Prayers the pain subsides and the medicine works!
Indiana Elaine- Prayer for your sight as well. It’s funny how we take our eyes for granted until they fail us!
Oh and yesterday my husband said we had a notice that they were going to turn our water off. We live on a street where it is hard for the firefighters to get to so we had to install sprinkler heads that are hidden in our house when we built it. I forgot to have the back flow test done. I actually owned it! I told me husband that it was on me. I put the notice aside and totally forgot about it. I could have made excuses, but why?? This was perfect timing for our study..lol
Our we going to allow the Spirit to convict our hearts or are we going to point the blame elsewhere? I know it can be hard to own up to our failings, but it is really freeing to do so. To not get defensive or point fingers away from yourself. I loved where Kaitie said ” When we return to God in repentance, we are returning our gaze back to the One who longs to be gracious.” What a beautiful description!
Hi ladies. Greetings from the smokey foothills in Alberta.
Would covet your prayers for the folks in the mountain town of Jasper in the Rockies. Fire has decimated this lovely treasure .The entire population was evacuated Monday. Lots of fires burning in Alberta and British Columbia.
We have lots of smoke here in the foothills.
I know you folks pray. That God would somehow bring good out of disaster. He can and will but it means tough times in the waiting and watching things work out
Thank you.
This is an amazing community. So privileged to be a part.
Blesssings on your day and way
Yes, praying…how hard and tragic, but your mindset is perfect! Asking for prayer, and confident that God will make a way in the hard!
Nice to see another Rhonda with an H!
Praying right now, sweet sister! God definitely moves in mysterious ways! ❤️
Oh, RhondavT! I am so sorry and I was just watching the images of another fire in California. ‘Tough times in the waiting and watching’ – so true, sister! Thanks for bringing this to us for prayer and please keep us posted. Prayers of safety and comfort for all! ❤
Praying from another she’s in central Alberta. I visited Jasper once and my heart was hurting hearing this news.
Sending prayer from Germany I‘ve been to Jasper once before so it touched me more than other news. Canada is special to me since I have relatives in British Columbia & Alberta and the holiday we made there was the only time I’ve been to another continent so far.
I‘ve seen how the forrest years after a fire can look like… Had to think of how as far as I remember redwood trees start to thrive after fires. There is new growth after destruction
Praying, RHONDA T, praying..
Hello Shes
“Whether we respond with ownership or defensiveness is a matter of the heart—of course, all of this is presuming the confrontation takes place in a godly manner.”
The key word is “godly”…honesty leaven with love. Like Apostle Paul, a necessary rebuke. Then relief & release. When the Corinthians confess disobedience & offer repentance & receive forgiveness.
Things go better for me, too, when I face the music, receive the feedback, swallow my pride, the wrong, seek reconciliation. And take it to God, Who never turns me away & covers me in freedom.
Conflict & confrontations occur, naturally, instinctively. Pray I can enter into them with compassion on either side. A matter of choice, of course.
So help me God.
Oh! In celebration & confirmation…
Carrie Underwood & CeCe Winans have recorded the hymn, “ Great is Thy Faithfulness”…
“all I have needed, His hand has provided”!
Amen & Amen
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Lamentations 3:19-24 was just the key passage in my prayer journal two weeks ago. I love when my studies intersect!
The thing I can say about being confronted about my sin is that it brings joy and refreshing and restoration. I have experienced God directly confronting me, and at first it’s hard, but once I give in and repent, I am cleaned up and restored. It’s so great!!!! I do not fear confrontation any more, but I ask God to show me things so I can be cleansed and restored. I would rather live in wholeness and freedom and face confrontation than to live in sin and bondage.
Amen! Today agree and I also ask for God to reveal my shortcomings to me. The work is in my court, but He is right beside me.
I have really been enjoying this study and thankful for all your comments! I was just thinking the other day how much more I enjoyed reading 2 Corinthians more than 1 Corinthians, but we need both! This chapter per
Accidentally hit enter lol…. This chapter perfectly illustrates why we need both. Both the Godly correction that leads to repentance and new Joy in the Lord! Love you ladies!
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I am having a hard time reading/digesting His word today. All your comments help, though, I think I will be using Grace Day to revisit today’s readings!(I have a fever and just feel yucky. Pray for me, please? Thanks!)
Praying for you right now sweet girl.
Praying for you Adrienne. ❤️
Praying, sweet sister! ❤️
Prayers for you Adrienne! ❤️
Praying you feel better Adrienne–SOON!
Oh, no! Praying right now, Adrienne! Father, please send Your healing and cooling touch to our dear sister so she can join us again in the study of Your Word. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Ahh Adrienne, sorry to hear this, lifting you up to the great physician himself. For relief and recovery Soooooooooon. ❤
“Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”
Lamentations 3:21-26 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/lam.3.21-26.NIV
I love this selection from Lamentations and all of the scripture today. This should help us remember to lean into the Lord’s correction and godly grief. Not being defensive but repentant. How I needed to hear this! Oh how we need our Savior daily! We can’t live this life on our own! Knowledge of the Word and heart knowledge of the Word are different. Grant me a teachable heart Lord and show me Your ways and grant me a willing heart to walk in Your ways!
Praying for all! May you hear the Lord call your name like He did Mary at the tomb. She didn’t recognize Him at first but when He said her name she knew it was Him!
That is my fave resurrection account. When He says, “Mary.” I get goosebumps. every. time.
So good Cheryl! I copied all this and saved!
Amen Cheryl. So good!
Did you notice in this letter that there is a “But God”…reminded me of you Tina! (2 Corinthians 7:6)
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I love how Paul was not only encouraged by their words and deeds, but he was also encouraging them in his letter. Letters can be such a source of comfort and encouragement! They can be like rain in a dry and weary land…just the other day I brought up a box of letters that were in my basement and started rummaging through them. Many of them were from family and friends that wrote us when my husband was in Bible College – they date back to 1986! How cool it was to “step back in time” as I read some of them. They were notes of encouragement for us as we were many states away from home – they were so refreshing! …as I feel this letter must have been to the Corinthian believers.
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Yes, there had been a little rebuking/reproving, in a previous letter, but that led to their repentance – which is a marvelous thing!
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Paul’s letter makes me stop and ask – who could I send a letter of encouragement to today? Or just drop a little note to that might brighten their day?…I think once I’m done here I’m going to get out my pen and paper!
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Happy Thursday sisters, may we rejoice in the truth that the Lord’s compassion’s never fail, great is His faithfulness!!
Yes, letters of encouragement are SO important!! We just added this component to our jail ministry, and the ladies are able to write us for support, questions, or prayer requests! It has been amazing, they always say the letter came at JUST the right moment!! I am actually thinking of putting together a blog called “letters from jail” to maybe encourage moms and other relatives to see how the inmates can change THROUGH God!! Wouldn’t they be great!! I have found that Encourager is definitely one of my GIVEN GIFTS!! It in turn encourages us! Even little notes make my day like your were saying!!
A blog… Because you don’t have enough on your plate… Heeheehee! ❤️
hahah, good point!
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Amen to both of you sisters! I actually had a list of people to send cards to yesterday but the day got away with busy-ness so I made it my priority today! It helps that it is a rainy morning. ❤
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wonderful!!
Dear Sharon
Yes! A trumpet blows!
The pen is mightier than a text!
Shower the people you love with love!
Support your local post office!
Thanks for testifying!
❤️
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From John MacArthur:
“7:10 godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation. “Godly sorrow” refers to sorrow that is according to the will of God and produced by the Holy Spirit (see note on 2 Tim. 2:25). True repentance cannot occur apart from such a genuine sorrow over one’s sin. … Repentance is at the very heart of and proves one’s salvation: unbelievers repent of their sin initially when they are saved, and then, as believers, repent of their sins continually to keep the joy and blessing of their relationship to God (see notes on 1 John 1:7–9).
•sorrow of the world produces death. Human sorrow is unsanctified remorse and has no redemptive capability. It is nothing more than the wounded pride of getting caught in a sin and having one’s lusts go unfulfilled. That kind of sorrow leads only to guilt, shame, despair, depression, self-pity, and hopelessness. People can die from such sorrow (cf. Matt. 27:3).”
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From Vines Expository Bible:
“Godly sorrow is seeing sin as God sees it and being saddened by it. The reason many people never repent is because they never see their sin the way God sees it or learn to hate it as He hates it. The root of repentance is godly sorrow for sin. People are never saved until they repent (see Luke 13:3). To be saved means not only that we turn to Jesus Christ, it also means that we turn from our sin. …
Judas betrayed the Lord Jesus and then felt remorse. He went out and hanged himself (Matt. 27:5). Simon Peter denied the Lord, but then wept bitterly and repented (Matt. 26:75).”
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I really appreciate the examples of Peter and Judas to clarify the phrase’godly sorrow’ (even though it was pretty clear)!
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Joining you sisters in examining my reaction to correction!
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KELLY NEO – Chuckled when I saw your comment about the period! I have tape on the left side of my Kindle screen so not quite clear. When I looked hard, I saw them! ❤
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Praying for the many prayer needs here!
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LYNNE FROM ALABAMA – You and Jack remain on my heart! May God ease Jack’s transition and bolster your heart when that time comes. Love you, sweet sister!
OH wowzer, that IS GOOD!! Thank you so much Cee Gee. That is so spot on for our jail girls!! Most coming in and are sorry and accepting Jesus, but when prayers aren’t answered you really see the “true repentance” or not! We can’t judge and know their heart..but can usually tell by their actions and responses!! We still have to be there for them, but I am definitely going to copy all this!! And mark this page! That’s why I think this might be a good study to do over for myself and others!
That’s AWEsome, Rhonda J! Makes my heart smile! Love ya! ❤
I love the reminder of Peter and Judas. So true! Thank you!
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“A season of refreshment may come from the presence of the Lord”
Wow, how amazing is it that after we wrong the holy God that HE comforts US? That is something only God can provide.
❤ And He does it because He loves us! Mind blowing still!
Today Lectio 365 said this, “Whenever we magnify something, it gets bigger. So am I going to magnify the problem, or magnify the Lord?” The lamentations verses in today’s reading here reminded me who I will choose to magnify – blessed be his name – Jesus!
Yes! Amen!
Gonna write that quote in my study book!
Thanks Jessica!
I love Lectio. This whole week has been so good!
Yes and AMEN.❤
Good morning, sweet sisters! I am lifting each of you up in prayer this morning! May God give you peace in your heart about your needs (both spoken and unspoken)!
Please continue to pray for us. Jack’s hospice nurse told me Tuesday that she thought it wouldn’t be long now. It’s so hard trying to let him go when we can’t even talk about it. His lymphoma is spreading but he is unaware because of his dementia. Pray that he doesn’t suffer and I can be strong. Love to all of you! ❤️
Dear Lynne, praying for the strength and peace for you both. I’m sure Jack somehow knows of your deep love for him. Hugs dear sister.❤️
Dear Lynne – I can only imagine that this must be the most difficult thing to have to go through. Please know we are lifting you and Jack in prayer. Praying that he doesn’t suffer, that God will be merciful and that He will give you peace and strength in the moment by extending His amazing grace. ❤️
Praying in agreement, Lynne! So sorry! Love you! ❤ Maybe you could write our names on individual pieces of paper and place them around the room to remind you that we are with you in spirit.
Praying
Oh dear sister and friend…seeing the picture you posted yesterday of you and Jack, I could tell he was declining, and it hurts my heart for you, yet such a beautiful picture in the knowing of how strong you are, in the hurting and sadness. I wish I could hug you and sit with you and let you talk about it all. It must be a lot, that none of us will ever go through, but God sees you and will give you just what you need, when you need. And I pray, dear Lord, give her strength, give her wisdom and care, give her a double dose of you love and goodness today, In Jesus name! Love you so much. Thank you for sharing your heart today..that is so beautiful in itself and gives us a chance to help hold your arms up! We are your Aaron, dear Moses.
Amen!
Amen!❤❤❤So hard Lynne!
How hard this must be, Lynne. Praying often for both Jack and for you. ❤️
Prayers for you sweet Sister Lynne! May you both be wrapped up in God’s love and upheld by His mighty hand!
Oh, Lynne- adding my prayers for you and Jack to the rest. I can’t imagine your journey, but God knows it all. Praying that in His faithfulness He will provide exactly what you need when you need it. Hugs, dear sister!
Dear Lynne. I join in prayer with the others here for you and Jack. I pray for God’s peace to surround you both.
Praying for you. May our God flood you with His peace.
Praying for you, Lynne. ❤️
My dearest Lynne, my heart hurts for your hurts and life’s turns. I am sorry for the journey you are on.. Holding Jack and yourself so so close in My heart I pray you feel the hugs covered in prayers for you both. Praying a smooth transition for Jack and peace of heart that transcends ALL understanding for you, Lynne.
Give Jack a hug from us, and tell him it has been an honour to pray for him.
Strengthening hugs Lynne, coming your way!❤
Our sins are already forgiven in the finished work of Jesus.
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If our sin is already forgiven in the finished work of Jesus.. and we are believers who KNOW THIS TRUTH..why do we struggle to take ownership of our wrong doings?
This is surely a hope and an ” I’ve messed up, BUT GOD… moment..
Thank you Lord God for your faithful mercy, grace and love..
Where would I be without You, Lord God..
BUT GOD..
AMEN.
Much love dear hearts, covered in hugs and prayers… always..♥️
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Right!! ❤️
Oh this was SO Good! (I know, I say that every day!) But wowzer! Love this! Love Paul! He is wordy, but he shoots those arrows right to the right spot today. The part the resonated first is what we tell our “butterflies” in jail…that they are in the place for transformation! Their biggest pain and regrets can be the one thing that changes their trajectory!! It is the thing that places them in the cocoon of darkness, lets them transform, and turn into something beautiful! Many of us have been there ourselves! It often takes our brokenness to see our need for a Savior! Oh I’m so thankful for that time I felt powerless in my life!! I see it now in so many other people as I serve, I see the light comes…and stay! I told a girl that yesterday (remember our lesson was on being a shining star!! That kept coming up all day!) She was amazed that both of us volunteers said that separately to her…she had come in with a chip on her shoulder a few months ago..and sporadically since, but she went into solitary confinement last week, and that broke her down. She said she read her Bible and prayed the whole time. It is beautiful, she finally realized her need for God! She can’t solve it on her own! Praise God!! Now, she is in her Bible and reading with one of our other ladies that is a mature believer. This other believer wonders why she is STILL there, I think we have our answer now!! She is a helper and encourager for the Lord!! I praise and shout for JOY in my heart daily with what I see and feel God doing in me and those around me that I serve! Oh how I thank you Lord Jesus!!
^^^Another run on paragraph from yours truly today…Is Paul rubbing off on me that much!? Unfortunately I have to work in 9 minutes…so I can’t keep going!
Praying Heidi for you! You have so much going on, I pray for a deep breath and raised open palms! Hugs!
Keep on shining!!! ❤
I love how you described the transformation process, and it usually happens in darkness.
Their biggest pain and regrets can be the one thing that changes their trajectory!! It is the thing that places them in the cocoon of darkness, lets them transform, and turn into something beautiful!
Amen
Yes, my leader described all this and it was an amazing ah-ha moment and I just love the imagery and discovering that truth!
For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly grief produces death. Verse 10. this really stood out to me because often times when I make a mistake, I can become overcome with feelings of guilt and shame. As I write this I’m wondering where that comes from? Where in my life have I learned that making a mistake is not OK? I have heard that conviction is from the Lord for condemnation is from Satan. I want my repentance when I do something wrong to spare me on to do better the next time instead of getting stuck in thoughts of self loathing which is this worldly grief that produces “death” that Paul is talking about. Maybe this is why it’s so hard for me to take correction or rebuke? If I accept it then I have to put myself on the whipping post so to speak. I’m rambling… trying to work out my own thoughts… have a blessed day ladies.
❤ You hit the nail on the head! As we talked about in Sunday school recently, repentance REQUIRES a change – of heart and direction. Why do we harden our hearts and dig our heels in when we know He is correcting us out of love and eternity?!
That’s not rambling, Tami. Like many of us, wrestling with questions.
Also, I don’t comment on every post, but please know that I am covering you all in prayer, my sisters.
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Thank you, Lord for your amazing grace. I am always in awe that the creator of the Universe has so much love for me, and all who believe in Him. Thank you, Father.
Among other things, this reminds me today that I need to be an encourager. 2 Corinthians 7:6 reminds me that God is an encourager and I really need for him to work through me to “encourage those who are discouraged” (NLT).
Funny thing, I have marked in my Bible that are weekly truth on March 8, 2015 was Lamentations 3:22. “Because of the Lord’s faithful love, we do not perish for his mercies never end.“
Have a blessed Thursday sisters! I am praying over you right now. ❤️
Thank You Father for Your never ending love, mercy and Grace
Lord, may I see my actions and words as they truly are, may I do the uncomfortable thing and repent when needed, and may I own up to my behavior when I have hurt others by offering a sincere apology and humbly asking for forgiveness.
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Hard to do sometimes, many times. Thankful for the nudging of the Holy Spirit to see the need.
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LACEY BANKHEAD – praying for your MIL’s recovery
SHARON JERSEY GIRL – thankful Jeff has a good prognosis and straightforward treatment plan
MELISSA, ADRIENNE, SOMA D, SARAH D, MARI V and other teachers/paras/assistants – praying for each of you, the children in your care, admin, parents for a successful school year.
CEE GEE ❤️
Ouch..yes, that first paragraph! May it be so with me as well! God is apparently working in my heart with my hubs to build him up and to see my part in it all!
Yes and Amen!
So good…for me, too! And Yes, Rhonda! Have noticed a change in your posting with your Hubby… love the positivity… thinking of areas in my own life that need some “Godly attention”…!♥️
(heart!)
Great word as usual! ❤ Love you!
The scriptures today and the timing after a conversation with my husband last night was GOD for sure speaking to me. My sadness from being shown my own sin can bring about a change of heart if I take ownership. Even though it can be difficult and change takes time, my prayer is I return my gaze ❤️ back to the One who longs to be gracious to us and show us compassion, over and over again.
Beautiful, my sister. Beautiful prayer and words. ❤
“It’s hard to hear the truth about ourselves. To not only stare our failure in the face, but also have somebody else observe it too, can feel shameful.” 100%
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I definitely more often turn to blame over ownership. Usually in the form of thinking “some people are too sensitive.” I have seen where the Spirit has matured me over the years in this but still have a loooong way to go. “Pride is deceitful” indeed.
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LACEY BANKHEAD – praying all went well with Sammie’s surgery.
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SHARON JERSEY GIRL – rejoicing in Jeff’s positive plan for eliminating the cancer.
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JULIA C – ❤️
Kelly – I hear you! The first line of the devo today hit me. Do I take ownership or respond in defensiveness? This is something the Lord has been working on with me.
Yes, 200 percent here. I too, always think…they are too sensitive! Well, check yourself Rhonda J. maybe you are too critical and love to throw out the zingers!
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It’s hard to hear the truth about ourselves. To not only stare our failure in the face, but also have somebody else observe it too, can feel shameful.” 100%
OUCH! Right?
Taking the plank out of MY eyes, comes to mind…❤
Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ – His mercies are new every morning and His love never ceases! That is such a wonderful encouragement to me as daily I stumble and miss the mark. Thank you Father for forgiving me when the godly grief comes and I turn to you in repentance.
Yes, I just got a Tshirt with this verse on it! I love that…every morning, thank the Lord! We are always needing His mercy! And Grace!
Amen