Turning back

​1-29-21
Today's devotion is based on 2 Corinthians 7:8-10, "For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it-- though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while. As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt godly grief so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death."
In this section of Paul's letter to the Corinthian church, he is feeling pleased that his begging and pleading had a much better outcome. He had previously written, admonishing them for some beliefs, attitudes, and actions concerned him greatly. They listened to what he said, taking his words to heart, and repented of their sins because of it.
Has a Scripture during your reading, or in a message at church, or sent by a caring friend, ever pierced your heart and turned you back to the one who poured out his life for you? If this has been your experience, I pray you have also come face to face with God's unending capacity and desire to embrace, forgive and walk forward with you, his dearly loved child. May you grow in friendship with the one who was waiting and watching with hopeful, open arms for you to turn back to him.
Please pray with me the prayer for today: Thank you for the cross, which is the ultimate sign of your desire for me to be restored in my relationship with you. Help me return there often and see the look of love on the face of the one hanging there, for me. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.