Exp God, Aug 20 – Those Who Mourn

God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (Mt 5:4 NLTse)

God wants us to experience His joy ( Jn 15:11). Yet we cannot experience His joy until we have mourned over our sin. If we do not grieve over the weight of our sin, we have no concept of sin’s devastating power…

…There cannot be repentance without the realization of the gravity of sin. Regret for sin’s consequences is not the same as sorrow for sinning against holy God. Confession of sin is not necessarily an indication of repentance. Repentance comes only when we acknowledge that our transgression has come from a heart that is far from God, and we are brokenhearted over our grievous offenses against holy God.

Jesus said that those who are heartbroken over their sin will find comfort…

…God will not leave you to weep over your sin but will forgive you, comfort you, and fill you with His joy.

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[11] I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!  (Jn 15:11 NLTse)

 

[23] For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. (Ro 3:23 NLTse)

 

[8] Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. [9] Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. [10] Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.  ( Jas 4:8-10 NLTse)

 

[18] “The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free,

[19] and that the time of the LORD ‘s favor has come. *”   ( Lk 4:18-19 NLTse)