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Day 18: Remorse – False Repentance
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we reflect on the theme of remorse versus true repentance, search our hearts and reveal any areas of hypocrisy or falsehood. If we claim to know You but disobedience shows our words ring hollow, convict us. If selfish motives have driven our pleas for mercy rather than a humble spirit, make it clear.
Guide us by Your Spirit to repentance that stems from love for You, not just discomfort over consequences. Help us confess specific sins we repeat without consideration for how they grieve You.
As you reveal these truths to us, help strengthen our determination to completely turn away from sin by Your power and mercy.
May our behavior reflect genuine change through time.
We ask this through Christ, trusting not in ourselves but Your mercy and provision to walk closely with You each day. Examine us thoroughly, yet receive our thanks that you do not leave us as we are but continually transform us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture Reading and Reflection
Remorse
Matthew 27:3-5 KJV
Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
True Repentance
John 21:15-19 KJV
So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.
This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.
Reflection:
The Bible provides examples of both false repentance motivated by remorse alone, and true repentance that radically transforms the heart. When examining different stories, we see:
When Jonah reluctantly went to Nineveh and warned of God’s coming judgment, the people of Nineveh demonstrated their repentance outwardly by putting on sackcloth and ashes (Jonah 3:5-6). At first glance, it seemed they may only be repenting out of discomfort rather than a change of heart. However, God examined their hearts and found their repentance to be genuine (Jonah 3:10). Though their actions could have signaled false repentance, God saw they had truly turned from their evil ways. This showed that initial appearances do not always reveal the sincerity within. The people of Nineveh exemplified true repentance – a permanent turning back to God with sincerity of heart, as God discerned. Their judgment was then spared.
King Saul remorsefully admitted wrongdoing after directly disobeying God, yet was unwilling to fully submit his will (1 Samuel 15:24-30). In contrast, David immediately confessed his sin with Bathsheba and sought forgiveness (Psalm 51:1-4, 17).
Judas also showed remorse after betraying Jesus, but it led him to despair and suicide rather than seeking forgiveness and reconciliation with God (Matthew 27:3-5). His remorse isolated him rather than drawing him nearer to God. He didn’t show true repentance.
In contrast, Peter denied Christ three times but was restored after repentance (Luke 22:54-62). Though he stumbled, he turned back to Jesus with a repentant heart ready to demonstrate his love through faithful service (John 21:15-17).
The wicked servant begged for mercy after his debt was forgiven, but then refused to forgive others (Matthew 18:23-35). Unlike the tax collector who prayed “God, have mercy on me, a sinner” (Luke 18:13-14).
The difference lies in lasting change wrought by God’s power. False repentance is superficial, fleeting remorse over consequences. But genuine repentance persistently turns from sin to obedience through Christ’s strengthening power (Psalm 51:10-12).
Hymn:
Praying for Repentance
1 O that I could repent! With all my idols part; And to thy gracious eye present An humble contrite heart!
2 A heart with grief opprest, For having griev’d my God; A troubled heart that cannot rest Till sprinkled with thy blood!
3 Jesus on me bestow, The penitent desire; With true sincerity of wo My aching breast inspire;
4 With softening pity look, And melt my hardness down; Strike with thy love’s resistless stroke, And break this heart of stone!
Lyrics: Charles Wesley, Music: Lowell Mason
Creative Activities: 1. Scripture Writing
Write out Matthew 27:3-5 and John 21:15-19 in your best handwriting on the Scripture writing page which you can download below.
Please download the Scripture Writing Page below. It is for personal and educational use (school, homeschooling) as well as for use at church and in ministry only.
Commercial use not allowed.
Download Scripture Writing Page
Creative Activities: 2. Bible Journaling
- Which example most resonates with you and why? Illustrate key moments from the story or elements that connect with your heart.
- What stood out most about the differences between remorse and true repentance? Use colors, shapes or images to depict these contrasting attitudes.
- Which Scripture shared best encourages you regarding God’s willingness to forgive when we turn to Him in sincerity? Copy or illustrate it with special details.
Creative Activities: 3. Doodling
- Doodle shapes, patterns or designs that represent concepts of remorse versus true repentance.
- Draw figures or scenes from the Bible stories to reinforce what you have learned.
- Sketch your prayers and reflections from journaling in symbolic images and graphics.
- Let your pencil wander as you linger on a verse that spoke to you, depicting its meaning through abstract art.
Download Doodle Printable
Creative Activities: 4. Journaling
Reflect and Journal:
- What have you learned about the difference between remorse and genuine repentance? Please write about it.
Download Journal Printable
Applying and Taking Action
Now is the time to consider how to apply what you have learned about true repentance. Ask yourself:
- Are there any attitudes or habits I need to repent of genuinely through changed behavior? Commit specifically to God.
- How can I cultivate repentance as a way of life, quickly acknowledging any wrong before God daily?
- What steps will I take to avoid superficial remorse that leaves sin unchanged over time?
- How can I better support others in realizing true repentance through loving accountability?
- Are there relationships I need to seek forgiveness from? Plan to extend or request reconciliation.
Beyond individual change, think of people you know who seem stuck in remorse. Pray for opportunities to walk alongside them, pointing to Christ’s transforming power. Your repentant example may encourage others.
Conclude by praying specifically about your commitments. Ask God for strength, purposefully turn from the old, and embrace His perfect way through Christ. Your transformed life then gives testimony to His power to change hearts.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the examples in Scripture that show the difference between superficial remorse and genuine repentance that comes from a transformed heart. Give us the humility and courage to examine our own lives, acknowledge any areas of reluctance to fully surrender to Your will, and repent in sincerity. May we quickly confess our sins and seek Your forgiveness. Help us to avoid fleeting remorse over consequences and instead persist in obedience through Christ’s strengthening.
As we endeavor to apply today’s lessons, be with us by Your Spirit. Grant us determination to walk in repentance daily, swiftly acknowledging any wrong. And for those around us struggling with repentance, provide opportunities to shine Your light. May our repentant lives point others to the hope of change found only in You.
We pray in the powerful name of Jesus, our righteousness. Amen.
If you have been blessed by this Creative Lent Devotional, please share it with others. Many thanks. God bless you!
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