Forgiveness Is Freedom预览

Where Are You Turning?

In today’s verse, we read about two kinds of sorrow. The first is godly sorrow, which expresses itself in statements like, “God, I'm sorry I've hurt you and other people.” This kind of sorrow leads to repentance and salvation and leaves us without regret. The other kind of sorrow—worldly sorrow—is the kind many people carry with them. Worldly sorrow selfishly says, “I'm sorry I did this because of how it is affecting me.” This type of sorrow leads to death in our spiritual lives and in our relationships.

Whether it is our own wrongdoing or someone else's, it is important we learn how to turn worldly sorrow into forgiveness and repentance. When we do this, we free ourselves from the pain of the past.

There are three places we can turn our pain and sorrow:

• We can turn it INWARD. When we turn inward, we blame ourselves for our pain and remain trapped in self-pity.
• We can turn it OUTWARD. When we turn outward, we look for others to “heal” us from our pain, but this leaves us always needing more.
• We can turn it UPWARD. God alone is the source of strength and peace during times of sorrow. In His presence, we can find the help, comfort, and forgiveness we need to finally let go of the past.

Who do you need to forgive? Is it a friend, a parent, a spouse, or a co-worker? Or, is today the day you are finally ready to forgive yourself?

As you engage with God’s word:

● What is God saying to you?

● What does it mean to you?

● What action step do you need to take?

After you reflect on these questions, bring everything to God in prayer.