In this daily Bible reading Jesus tells the parable of the prodigal son who took his inheritance early and went to a faraway land. While there he lived a sinful life and spent all his inheritance. Later he was starving and living the consequences of his sin. He then developed a repentant heart and returned to his father. He confessed his sins, and his father forgave him.
This story tells me that we need motivation to repent. The Bible says that God grants repentance. So, we cannot repent of our sins until and unless God grants it to us to do so. God convicts our hearts so that we become acutely aware of our sins and are truly sorry.
This happened to me many years ago while watching a Billy Graham broadcast in Dayton, Ohio. I was convicted of my sins and fell to my knees in tears of sorrow confessing my sins and begging God’s mercy.
I personally believe that real repentance is accompanied with tears. It certainly was for me. It was a cleansing experience which I treasure today. I thank God for granting me repentance.
