Repent

Then they repented (Zechariah 1:6)

Here's the great hope for humanity and the church - 'then they repented'. John brought a 'baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins'. Jesus told his hearers to 'repent and believe the good news'. Peter told the crowds to 'repent and be baptised, every one of you'. Paul writes that 'the goodness of God leads you to repentance'. 

Without repentance there is no good news but without bad news there is no repentance. No one can turn from their rebellion against God unless they become aware that they are a rebel, and how will they become aware? By the inner convection of the Spirit, for sure, but also by the outward knowledge of their sin too. But what does the modern world say the best way to deal with our wayward minds and failed lives? To face up to our own sinfulness? Of course not. The modern world offers a gospel of salvation without sin and repentance. Accept yourself as you really are, it says, and you will be well. 

That is not the good news of John, Peter, Paul or Christ. For them you must face up to what you really are, a sinner from birth, and repent. Then, and only then, will God in Christ set you free. Free from your own wayward mind, free from the results of sin, free from your failed life. 

So if you really love someone you don't tell them it is okay, just be who you are. That just prepares them for eternity without God. That is the act of someone who hates them. No, you tell them that it is not okay, that they must turn from who you are and towards the God who stands waiting for them. That gives them a chance of eternity with God, of everlasting joy. That is real love. They may hate you for it, but you've given them a chance.

But do pray and trust for the right time. It is too easy to do more damage than good, even with the most important of news.

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