Sin causes always causes sorrow eventually. Be sorry now or be sorrier later.
Psalm 38:18 “For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.”
Sin hurts. It causes death, destruction, pain, and heartache. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but it always causes something to die. How can I be so sure? God declares it.
One of the many consequences of sin is sorrow. Sorrow is distress caused by loss. It is the expression of grief, sadness, or disappointment.
Sin causes three types of sorrow.
Resentment
Sin hurts those around you. It saddens and disappoints them. It always hurts them emotionally and sometimes physically. This sorrow turns into resentment.
Resentment is the feeling of displeasure or indignation. It says, “How could you do that?” or “I don’t deserve that.”
Resentment corrupts relationships and burns bridges. It is sorrow turned into bitterness.
Regret
Regret is to feel sorrow or remorse; to think with a sense of loss. This sorrow says, “Think what could have been! Look what I’ve done! I can’t believe what I’ve lost!”
Regret is the guaranteed for the sinner. The rebel cries, “No regrets!” today, but they will know the sting of it eventually; often, after they have wasted years of precious life.
Repentance
Repentance is more than simple sorrow. It is an acknowledgment of sin against our Holy God. It is a sorrow derived from the realization that our sin dishonors God, violates His Word, and disregards His benevolence.
Our text verse today speaks of repentance. The psalmist declared his iniquity and confessed his sorrow.
There are two types of repentance mentioned in 2 Corinthians chapter 7. Godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation. This change of mind leads to a change in action. Worldly sorrow leads to death. It is a regret without a change. It is the sorrow of one that keeps walking toward destruction.
Sin always causes sorrow. You can remain rebellious until sin takes everything precious from you. Then you will be sorry. Or you can repent today. Declare your sin to God. Realize the depth of your offense against a Holy God. Proclaim your sorrow and ask for forgiveness.
You will be sorry now by choice or later by experience.
Understand that sin always causes sorrow. Just say NO to temptation today.
[callout]“Lord, I declare my iniquity. I am sorry for my sin. I’m sorry that my sin offends Your holiness, betrays Your good name, and hurts those You love. Forgive me of my sin. Give me victory over the sins of my flesh. Help me to walk in Thy Spirit today. Amen.'[/callout]
Read this devotional series from the beginning here.