March 18, 2021
The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” Genesis 3:12-13 ESV
There is no indication from the text that Adam and Eve were truly regretful for their disobedience. Instead, they were quick to play the blame game. Consequently, future generations would stray in the same direction. Paul saw this dynamic in the Corinthian church:
For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10 ESV
Worldly sorrow (borne in pride and self-pity) always takes us to a place of emptiness and loneliness. We blame others and resultantly stultify reconciliation as well as our own recovery and growth. In contrast, Godly sorrow (borne in humility) leads to repentance and rescues us from the grip of sin.
Father God, thank you for your grace that always draws us back to you. Help us to resist blaming others and to be quick to repent and receive your forgiveness. Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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