AVOIDING* THE HALL OF MIRRORS
OR ESCAPING
CHAPTER 12
Overwhelming Sorrow (2|2)
Pages 151-156
2 Corinthians 7:10 (NIV) Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
John 20:23 (NIV) “If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
Romans 15:1-7 (NIV) We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
What are your thoughts/feelings on lament as a part of worship and praise? Have you experienced or witnessed lament in/during/through worship and praise?
“Godly sorrow is so redemptive in its power that while it brings us to a full and thorough repentance, we don’t have to walk around with the pain and burden of regret; somehow we know that God will use even the mess we make for His glory and for our good. “ Do you agree? What is your response to this statement?
How do we Learn “ to delight in the goodness of the Lord and learning to push away ungodly negativity”? (page 153)
“If we fail to express forgiveness to repentant people, if we in some way hold on to grievances that mean we are de facto punishing them through active means despite their sincere repentance, this stands in such antithesis to the Gospel spirit that it immediately opens doors to demonic disorientation and despair. From here, into the mind of the penitent person will flood confusion, fear, a sense of rejection…” What is your response to this statement? Have you experienced or witnessed Christians, churches, or ministries/organizations failing to express forgiveness to a repentant people?