Things Gone Wrong Can Be Discipline
Repent

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:19-21

Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 12:21
I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery in which they have indulged.

This is the third devotional this week from Paul’s letters to the Corinthian believers. The apostle had to deal with God’s discipline for bad behavior more in the Corinthian church than any other church in the New Testament.

This is a good reminder to all churches today how careful we must be to deal directly with sinful behavior in the body of Christ.

In today’s Key Verse, the apostle turns toward the necessary action for a believer under God’s discipline plan. These verses instruct us what we must do if we realize that our hardships and troubles are discipline from the Lord. The word “repent” characterizes the action we must take. Paul was fearful that these Corinthian believers may not have repented of their impurity.

If you are having some hardships or reversals in life and God has specifically pointed out some behavior that you know He wants you to either remove or add to your spiritual journey with Him, what should you do?

The Bible says to pray a simple prayer of repentance. A prayer of repentance admits that you have sinned and are willing to repent of that un-Christ-like behavior.

The word “repent” means to “turn around” or “go in another direction.” Repentance is not sorrow for getting caught, but a change of heart and mind. Without true repentance, discipline continues.

God loves us too much to allow these crippling, destructive behaviors to remain in our lives!

Father, thank You for Your amazing love for me! I am sorry for the times I have grieved You. Speak loudly to me. I will listen and obey! In Jesus’s Name, amen.