Friday, February 21, 2014

February 22, 2014 Guilt Lasts Too Long



Guilt Hurts Too Long
Genesis 42

Genesis 42:21 They said to one another, “Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that’s why this distress has come upon us.”

MANY years had passed since Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, but the brothers’ guilt had not passed. What they had done in a moment of jealous passion had stayed in each brother’s heart and mind to slowly and persistently increase their guilt and increase their grief for their hateful sin.
      How many times had they awakened in the night distressed over their evil deed? How many times had they grieved for their father who had lost his favorite son? How many times did they say to themselves, “Should I confess?”
      But they never did. And the sin carved at their hearts. It never let them go. Sin imprisoned their actions and imprisoned their minds. They knew they deserved punishment, but they kept it to themselves.
      Are you holding something in your heart that calls you to repentance? Go to God and trust he will free you from your burden. Go to the one you’ve hurt. Cleanse your heart today. You will find a release from a heavy burden. You will experience relief and joy in your heart. You will experience God’s love for you.
           
LIFE Link: My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. (John 15:12)

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