Thursday 14 December 2006

Repentance

There comes a time at which we just have to say "I'm sorry." We cannot act as if we are holy if there is sin in our heart, nor can the Army be a holy Army if we act as if we are sinless and ignore what we know to be wrong.

I have read with interest TSA apology to Aboriginal people recently and applaud the act as an attempt at repentance. It wasn't simply a trendy idea or a popular and public way to appropriately ask forgiveness of a people and of God.

So why wouldn't we do the same where we have erred with individuals? Well, we do when it comes to offended residents of our children's homes in years past. It's about time that we searched the soul of the Army for where we have sinned and ask for forgiveness from people and from God. Lord, help us and forgive us from our sins.

2 Peter 3:9 (Wesley NT)
"The Lord is not slow concerning his promise (tho' some men count it slowness) but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

6 comments:

james said...

Amen! I completely agree! Revival starts with repentance! I also understand General Clifton has put the question forward, "Is there sin in the camp?" The answer is obviously yes, but lets repent and move forward!
Onward Christian Soldiers!

Unknown said...

Wow!

So much I could say - but just a few comments.

Perpetrators [sinners] need to repent - God will always forgive [1 John 1:9] but not necessarily their victims.

Victims [those sinned against] need to forgive - this does not depend on the perpetrator repenting.

Repentance sits well - remorse for past actions/sins then the act of confessing them.

Forgiveness sits well - ceasing to feel anger or resentment ~ then the next step ceasing to seek retribution or punishment.

"Asking for forgiveness" doesn't sit so well - it's almost a cop out - a wanting to get off the hook - it seems to be something you can say without repentance!

Just one last thought ~ can you actually attempt repentance?

BrownEyedGirl said...

I've been thinking on this a lot lately. Thank you for your words. It seems that repentance isn't understood or seen as important in this day and age. I've been wondering how a "healthy fear of God" plays into our desire for repentance. Also, the verse- "His kindness leads to repentance." I’m still in the middle of all my thoughts on this one!
Lord, Let true repentance come to us as individuals and as a body.
I saw John yesterday and Jason a couple weeks ago… they look great and are so much fun to be around. You have great kids!
Grace to you both!

Anonymous said...

All sin and fall short of the glory of God. So repentance and confession of sin is pramount. The spoken confession has a powerful breaking effect I believe to actually speak out what the sin is and fully admit to it. Thank you commissioner for leading the way. Now it's my turn.
gotgumonmyshoe.

Christopher said...

Sometimes the hardests words to say and to hear are "i'm sorry" and "I forgive you". Without them in our vocab we almost close down an important part of what it is to be a human and a Christian.

Im always in awe of Jesus because he said the words but also acted on them. The cross is perfect example of "I forgive you".

Anonymous said...

Well an interesting topic this one is, particularly since I just finished with the Senior Soldier Prep class on the 7th doctrine ( I know I am a few blog comments behind, some how the craziness of Christmas chores has gotten in the way!) There is one woman in the class who said this “repentance, it should be a daily exercise!” This asking for repentance will strengthen our faith in/on Him who provides all for us. As it was stated to me during a Sr. Soldier class last year by a new convert, we must be on a Spiritual diet each day, choosing to follow Him, trusting fully on Him, stretching our faith to His grace will make the days flow better. We must be willing to love and part of loving is saying I am sorry for something we did or didn’t do, said or didn’t say, ever ready to tell the good news of Jesus Christ, simply put HE IS ALIVE and loves His children! Changing the attitude, will change the heart!

Blessings to each of you, Merry CHRISTmas and Happy New Year!