Notes of Faith September 15, 2025
Real Repentance
Moreover [Joseph] kissed all his brothers and wept over them, and after that his brothers talked with him.
Genesis 45:15
Occasionally we will see in the news a public figure making an apology for a misdeed of words or actions. It is sometimes hard to tell whether the apology is genuine or is a response to having been found out. While it is not our place to judge the sincerity of an apology, the Bible speaks of “godly sorrow” that produces genuine repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10).
Joseph’s brothers had lived for decades with guilty consciences over selling Joseph into slavery and lying to their father about his fate. They no doubt assumed that Joseph had perished in Egypt. But when they discovered he was the second-most powerful ruler in the land, they were shocked, not to mention ashamed and embarrassed in his presence. When Joseph revealed himself to them, they had a tearful reunion: “And after that his brothers talked with him.” That must have been a conversation filled with confession and repentance and the desire for forgiveness, which was no doubt granted by Joseph.
If you need to seek forgiveness, make sure it is accompanied by godly sorrow that leads to repentance.
Real repentance produces confession and forsaking of sin.
Vance Havner
Confession of sin and repentance comes before saving faith. Many may say that they believe in Jesus but have an unrepentant heart. These are the ones that Jesus says, “I never knew you.” If you truly KNOW the Lord Jesus, you will have a repentant heart the rest of your life, seeking His righteousness, His holiness, His perfection, until you are taken to be with Him, forever! John the Baptist preached repentance from sin. The first messages of Jesus were to repent from sin. Let us fight the good fight of faith against the sin that wages war in our heart. Ask God for His mighty power to overcome the temptations and strongholds that keep us chained as prisoners to sin. Trust His grace and mercy to bring you through daily battles, not to come out unscathed, but stronger in faith and in Christ, able to win the war. May you experience victory in the tribulation you face today!
Pastor Dale