Easter is such a special occasion for us Christians to celebrate our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and it is also a time when so many people (non-believers) around the world are eager to know more about Him.

This is a special time for us- who like them, “were dead in our trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1, Colossians 2:13)-, and should continue to pray for our “loved ones” who are in the same condition we were. This special celebration is also a reminder for those who for any reason went astray:  that He gave His life for them in remission for their sins.

So I challenge you this Easter, to pray earnestly for your loved ones, just as Paul did for his beloved ones, that they would experience “godly sorrow”:

“For [godly] sorrow that is in accord with the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation; but worldly sorrow [the hopeless sorrow of those who do not believe] produces death.” (2 Corinthians 7:10)

Here Paul states the difference between sorrow and repentance.  They are not the same!  Someone can be sorry for their sin without truly repenting from it.  Sorrow describes a feeling, but repentance describes a transformation in both the mind and in the life of a person. (Romans 12:1-2)

* "Godly sorrow produces repentance unto salvation: Does this mean we are saved by our repentance? Not exactly! Repentance "is not the ground of our salvation; but it is a part of it and necessary condition of it.  Those who repent are saved; the impenitent perish.  Repentance is therefore unto salvation." (Hodge)

* "Repentance must never be thought of as something we must do before we can come back to God. Repentance describes what coming to God is.  You can't turn towards God without turning from the things He is against. "People seem to jump into faith very quickly nowadays.  I do not disapprove of that happy leap; but still, I hope my old friend repentance is not dead.  I am desperately in love with repentance; it seems to be the twin-sister to faith." (Spurgeon)

Since godly sorrow does such a great work, it is not to be regretted.  It doesn't feel good, but it does a good work, leading to Salvation.  The sorrow of the world is different, because it produces death.

 "In repentance there is a bitter sweetness, or a sweet bitterness - which shall I call it? - of which, the more you have, the better it is for you.  I can truly say that I hardly know a diviner joy than to lay my head in my Heavenly Father's bosom and to say, 'Father, I have sinned, but thou hast forgiven me; and, oh, I do love thee!'" (Spurgeon)

Let’s not lose hope and continue praying for the amazing work of His Holy Spirit through godly sorrow. This feeling will not be welcomed, because it can be very painful for our loved ones, but to us also! But we know that it is all for His Loving Purpose. Their Salvation!!

Blessings,

Mari