"He [Saul] then said: I have sinned; but honor me now..." 1 Samuel 15:30
"Then David said to Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD." 2 Samuel 12:13
TWO ATTITUDES TOWARDS SIN
When Saul sinned and was confronted by the prophet Samuel, he admitted his mistake, but placed a semicolon after his confession, asking Samuel to honor him anyway before the people.
When David sinned and was confronted by the prophet Nathan, he admitted his mistake and put an end to his confession. Not justified. He didn't blame anyone. He asked for nothing but forgiveness.
David was forgiven (even though he suffered the consequences of his sin) and was saved, but Saul agonized for years in his pride, until he drowned in it through suicide.
EVERYONE MAKE MISTAKES
But not everyone has repentance in the face of sin
They harden their hearts and try to justify themselves, to blame others, to cover up a sin with a greater one...
Those who repent are not justified; look only at your own guilt; he openly confesses his sin and no longer hides.
Repentance is one of the most difficult sacrifices because it is our ego that is sacrificed.
But without repentance there is no forgiveness, no mercy, no change of life.
If you want to change your life, start with regret.
[ ] This week: Prayerfully read Psalm 51 every day.
[ ] Do a self-examination and identify the mistakes you need to repent and abandon.
[ ] Sunday, 10th of October: We will present our sacrifices of righteousness at the Altar (Psalm 51:19).
Bishop Macedo