HOW JEHOVAH LEADS SINNERS TO REPENTANCE

 Cain was Adam and Eve's first son. He inherited sinful tendencies from his parents. Additionally, the Bible says of him: "His own works were wicked." (1 John 3:12) Perhaps that explains why Jehovah "did not look with any favor towards Cain and on his offering" when he offered up; a sacrifice. Instead of changing his ways, "Cain grew hot with anger and was dejected." What did Jehovah do next? He spoke to Cain.  (Read Genesis 4:3-7) Note that Jehovah reasoned kindly with Cain, offering him hope and warning him against the danger of sin. Sadly, Cain refused to listen. He did not let Jehovah lead him to repentance. After that negative response, did Jehovah stop trying to lead other sinners to repentance? Far from it! 

Jehovah dearly loved King David. He even called him "a man agreeable to my heart." (Acts 13:22) But David became involved in gross sins, including adultery and murder. According to the Mosaic Law, David deserved to die. (Leviticus 20:10; Numbers 35:31) Yet, Jehovah kindly stepped in. He sent his prophet Nathan to visit the king, even though David had not shown yet any sign of repentance. Nathan used an illustration designed to touch David's heart. Deeply moved, David repented. (2 Samuel 12:1-4) He wrote a heartfelt psalm that reveals his repentant spirit. (Psalm 51, superscription) That psalm has comforted countless sinners and motivated them to repent. Are we not glad that Jehovah lovingly led his beloved servant David to his repentance?

Jehovah hates sin, and he does not condone it in any form. (Psalm 5:4, 5) However, he knows that we are sinners, and out of love for us, he chooses to help us to fight against sin. He is always trying to help even the worst of sinners to repent and draw close to him. How comforting is it to know that! As we reflect on Jehovah's patience and forgiveness, we are determined to stay faithful to him and to be quick to repent when we sin. Let us now consider how the Christian congregation was further taught about repentance. 

Next time: WHAT JESUS' FOLLOWERS LEARNED ABOUT REPENTANCE

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