Genuine Change

Genuine Change

Bible: Joel 2:12-17

Reading

“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart,
with fasting and weeping and mourning” (V.12).

A group of teenagers were talking about how Jesus forgives our sins. I heard one of them saying to his friend. “When we sin, Jesus forgives us,” he said. “All we have to do is say sorry.” The other guy asked, “What if I’m not really sorry?” His friend grinned. “It doesn’t matter. God still gives us grace even though we don’t deserve it.”
I interrupted their conversation. I explained that, by offering grace (His undeserved love and favour), our loving and just God doesn’t ignore our sin. As He changes our attitude towards our selfish ways, He helps us to realise how much we need His life-changing forgiveness.

That’s why it’s so important to mean it when we repent—which is deciding to turn away from ourselves and follow God instead. When the people of Judah decided to live just for themselves, Joel told them to return to God (JOEL 2:12). God, who is “gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love”, doesn’t want anyone to face His judgement (V.13). But Joel warned that just saying sorry without really meaning it wouldn’t fool God. God will help us turn from our ways, to His; not out of duty, but because we realise how much better it is to live for Him. If you’re not really sorry for doing your own thing, ask the mighty and merciful God to show you why sin and selfishness are so dangerous and hurtful.

TURNING TO GOD CHANGES US FROM THE

INSIDE OUT, MAKING US MORE LIKE JESUS.

Youth Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries