*Bible Verse: Acts 2:37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
Is this cutting of the heart necessary? When a surgeon performs surgery, they must cut. Without it, they can’t remove whatever is causing the illness. For believers and unbelievers alike, the Holy Spirit sometimes works to illuminate conviction of their sins inside their hearts.
When we realize that it was my sin that pierced Jesus on the cross, when we see that I was the one who was shouting ‘crucify’ together with the crowd, then it really brings much sorrow, pain and anxiety. It’s not just someone else’s problem anymore. And this incision is necessary as much as we don’t want to bring any hurt to anyone.
2 Corinthians 7:8 Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— 9yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. 10Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 11See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.
Paul was very careful in this matter, yet, he had to say what he had to say that brought sorrow to his readers at Corinth. It cut to their hearts. Yet, afterward, see what an amazing healing it brought.
What brings healing after they are cut in their hearts? After the Holy Spirit shows me of my sin and when I am deeply distressed, how can I be healed? Peter is wonderful in his sermon.
Acts 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
There is hope for everyone, no matter who you are. Because in Jesus Christ, there is forgiveness for our sins. He will wash away our sins and He will bandage our cuts. He will heal us and restore us back to complete health. When we repent and come to Jesus, he will surely take us in. We receive His righteousness as ours and become the children of God.
Thanks be to God for the gift of forgiveness and the Holy Spirit. May our lives be used preciously to bear abundant fruits for His Kingdom!
*Prayer: Father God, thank you for all you’ve done through your son Jesus Christ! Let us live in Christ Jesus in every aspect of our lives and in his love!