Today's Reading: Jeremiah 21 and 22
When my grandchildren do something that hurts another
person or damages something, they often think that saying “I’m sorry” will
absolve them of their wrongdoing. The lesson they must learn as they grow and
mature is that just “saying” is not true repentance. True repentance is
changing their behavior such that they don’t continue “doing” what is hurtful
or damaging.
The Lord's call to "do justice and
righteousness" in Jeremiah 22:3 reveals that true repentance is not merely
verbal; it's demonstrated through our actions. God desires a transformation of
our hearts that manifests in tangible expressions of love and justice toward
others.
Pause and evaluate your actions in light of God's call
to justice. Consider how you treat those in need, the oppressed, and the
marginalized. Are you actively seeking to deliver the oppressed? Are you
guarding against wrongdoing and violence in your sphere of influence? Authentic
repentance involves a genuine commitment to living out God's principles in
every aspect of our lives.
Imagine encountering a barren tree that, despite its
beautiful leaves and eloquent promises of bearing fruit, remains unproductive.
In a similar way, words devoid of corresponding actions are like a barren tree
in God's eyes. On the contrary, a tree that bears fruit is a living testimony
of its vitality. Likewise, our lives, when filled with the fruits of justice
and righteousness, become a powerful witness to the transformative power of
true repentance.
Let your life echo the profound truth of Jeremiah 22:3. Let your actions speak louder than your words, demonstrating a repentant heart that actively seeks justice, delivers the oppressed, and refrains from wrongdoing. May our lives bear fruit that glorifies God and inspires others to embrace genuine repentance.
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