I am not sorry that I sent that severe
letter to you, though I was sorry at first, for I know it was painful to you
for a little while. Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but
because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of
sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way.
For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and
results in salvation. There's no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly
sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. 2 Corinthians
7:8-10
Paul
was writing to the church at Corinth. The message is unique. God wants us to experience
sorrow. Experience sorrow—to lead us away from sin—to lead us to salvation. That
message is meant to change hearts—to give hope. We find that hope in
repentance. There is hope in life without sin. Hope in eternal life. Hope. No
need to commit suicide. But death from suicide may not be just physical death,
it can be spiritual death too. No repentance, worldly sorrow…results in spiritual death. There
can be nothing sadder than spiritual death.
Can anyone prevent spiritual death? It
takes a simple decision. A choice. Choose Jesus…choose life. No regrets.
Preach the word of God. Be
prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke,
and encourage your people with good teaching. 2 Timothy 4:2
Now, who will want to harm you
if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right,
God will reward you for it. So don't worry or be afraid of their threats.
Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks
about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in
a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak
against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live
because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good,
if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong! 1 Peter 3:13-17
You also must be ready
all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. Matthew 24:44
Suicide
is an action of despair and it is irreversible. Is that any way to suffer for
Christ? We are called to suffer in a way that leads others to Christ. Be ready
to speak up for Christ. Speak up…that will surely save someone. Be ready.
Christ will return…sometime when we least expect it.
Prayer
~ Lord, I remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God
wants, than to suffer for doing wrong! 1 Peter 3:17. Help me to reach others
for You…before it is too late for them.
©
2020 Text
and photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
Unless
otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation,
copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of
Tyndale House
Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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