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. 2 Corinthians 12:21
It is common for people to have expectations of friends and family when they are separated. They expect certain things to happen or to be when the meet up again after a time of being separated.
Discouragement and disappointment often come when these expectations are not met, and even more so when there is not even an attempt to meet the expectations.
Paul tells the church in Corinth that he is concerned that when he sees them again he may be grieved over them, because some will not have repented of sinful ways.
It is expected that people will slip up and sin. No one is perfect, nor can claim to be. The world has no problems with sin and do not expect any change or sorrow for their sins. It is a part of their life.
The believer, however, has a different expectation put upon him. If he does sin, he is expected to repent of it and turn away from the sin. This was the entire purpose of Jesus coming to the earth, dying upon the cross and raising from the dead.
Even though many claim to believe in Jesus, there are many in the church who refuse to repent of certain sins. They continually go back to those sins, refusing to give them up. Sadly, there are also many who claim that certain sinful acts of sexual immorality are acceptable in the eyes of God. They purposefully live in a sinful way, while claiming to be a believer and follower of Jesus.
The heart of every true believer should be grieved over seeing this type of action.
As you consider yourself a believer, you must examine your life for any unrepentant sin. Seek God’s forgiveness and change your ways to live according to God’s holy and righteous standards. Do not purposefully live in sin.
When you see other believers who are refusing to repent, allow your heart to be grieved as God’s heart is grieved. Seek to restore believers who have chosen to not repent and to live in sin. God loves everyone and wants all to be saved. This includes you and every one you know.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Savior; that you will repent of all sins against God; that God will strengthen you to give up all sin; that your heart will be grieved at seeing others sin against God; and that you will be a witness to God’s love, mercy and forgiveness.
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