Honest words

Yesterday, we reflected on the depth of repentance. It must be from the heart. Today, we see that heart felt repentance cannot remain hidden. Repentance always expresses itself in honest words.

Take words with youand return to the Lord.Say to him:"Forgive all our sinsand receive us graciously,that we may offer the fruit of our lips.Assyria cannot save us:we will not mount warhorses.We will never again say 'Our gods'to what our hands have made,for in you the fatherless find compassion."Hosea 14:2-3

All too often, we ignore things, rather than face up to them and talk about them.

We might change our attitude or behaviour. We act in a different way. People might notice a difference in us. The way we talk to, or interact with others. The things that we do. They might say we have changed - but we haven't sought out the person we have wronged and asked their forgivness.

When it comes to our sins, which have offended God, we must always seek him out and ask his forgiveness. We don't simply do it all in our hearts. Nor do we let better behaviour show our new attitude. No we must speak to him, honestly, clearly, humbly and seek his forgiveness. True repentance always shows itself in honest words.

And our God is gracious, he always forgives.

Seek his face. Confess your sins. And praise the God who forgives.