Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

THEME: WHEN REPENTANCE IS REAL

THEME SCRIPTURE: "Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” — Matthew 3:8 (NIV)

PREPARATORY QUESTION

1. Must every repentance be accompanied by fruits?

Repentance is not just saying “I’m sorry”—it’s a turning. A change of mind that results in a change of life. When John the Baptist saw the religious leaders coming to be baptized, he didn’t welcome them blindly. He demanded proof: “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” Why?

Because true repentance always bears evidence.

Today, many confuse guilt with repentance. Guilt feels bad. Repentance bears fruit. Guilt weeps over sin. Repentance walks away from it. As Tertullian wrote, “Fear is the foundation of repentance. Repentance is the price of pardon.”

A person who truly repents doesn’t cling to their sin while asking God to overlook it.

They break with it—decisively, even painfully. They hate what they once loved and love what they once resisted. Thomas Watson said, “Till sin be bitter, Christ will not be sweet.”

Repentance is not a one-time event—it’s a lifestyle. It’s the daily refusal to make peace with what nailed Jesus to the cross. And the beautiful thing? When repentance is real, so also will be our restoration.

Remain blessed.

FURTHER READING: Ephesians 2:1-10

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

QUESTION TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD

1. Have I mistaken emotion for repentance?

2. What fruits are showing in my life that prove a changed heart?

3. Is there a sin I’m still excusing instead of surrendering?

PRAYER  

Lord,  break me where I’ve grown numb. Let my repentance go deeper than feelings—down to my actions.  Give me grace to produce fruit that pleases You.  Where I’ve returned to sin, call me back to the cross. Make repentance a rhythm in my walk with You, in Jesus' precious name. Hallelujah!

One-Year Bible Reading Plan

Psalm 70; 2 Peter 1; 2 Chronicles 9