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True Repentance
2Corinthians 7:10
"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation
and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death."
What does it mean to repent? When you or I wronganother person, or we sin against God, do we simply say we are sorry and moveon?
A few years ago I was involved in a businesssituation that taught me a great lesson. A client severely wronged me andultimately took our company for $160,000. In a court of law, I probably wouldhave won the dispute. However, after I had already filed suit against the man,I realized that there was one aspect of the matter that I was wrong about,involving a third party that could no longer be held accountable. I could noteffectively resolve the matter without taking the first step in owning theresponsibility for my part in the matter.
I made a decision to drop the lawsuit. However,after calling my attorney, I discovered the client had already filed acountersuit. This made the situation even scarier. I was completely exposed ifI dropped my suit.
I was unable to reach the business owner becausehe would not return my calls. I got his secretary on the line. "I want you totake this message down and give it to your boss, word for word. Please do notchange the words at all. 'I have sinned against you. I know I do not deserveyour forgiveness, but I ask your forgiveness for filing the lawsuit againstyou. You are no longer obligated to pay the balance you owe me if you feel youdo not owe it.' " The secretary knew me and the gravity of what I was saying.She began to weep. She could not believe what she was hearing.
A few hours later I received a call from thisclient. He said, "I received your message. I accept your request and I forgiveyou." He dropped his countersuit. A few days later, I went to see the man andhad dinner with him. He did not offer to pay any of the balance. It took threeyears to pay the vendors related to this situation. It was difficult because Iknew he was not taking any responsibility for his contribution to the problem.However, I knew I was to let go of it. The Lord was glorified in this situationand He provided for my needs.
Is there anyone you need to seek forgivenessfrom? Acknowledging our sin is the first step. Humbling ourselves and takingactions to restore is the next step.
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