REMORSE IS NOT REPENTANCE

Expression of remorse for a wrong done is not repentance. If anything, it is merely an outward expression of our feelings, about the wrong, with no intention to honestly make amends, and alter the future course. Such repentance is not genuine, but a fake one.

Peter was deeply convicted of his sin, when he lied three times, on the night Jesus was arrested. Then he wept bitterly and sorely, till he had no strength to weep. This is true and sincere repentance. 
– “69 Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.” 70 But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.” 71 And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72 But again he denied with an oath, “I do not know the Man!” 73 And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.” 74 Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.” – Matthew 26:69-75

Then, when Peter met Jesus for the last time, on the day of Jesus’ ascension, Jesus asks Peter, some probing questions, about his love and loyalty towards Jesus, and the mission. Peter had no strength to speak eloquently. He simply spurted out sheepishly, “LORD you know it.” This is true and sincere repentance.
– ” 15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” 16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. 18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.” – John 21:15-19

Many people feel bad about what they have done, but never actually repent of it. They merely recognise that they are wrong. They acknowledge the same as a matter of fact. It is not repentance, it is ego in action, and pretence at its best. They acknowledge and accept their wrong because, they are caught – overpowered, to be precise, and that, they have no way to escape it. Therefore, since there is no way out, they choose to apologise, and express their remorse, with no intention, nor any effort, to make amends to the wrong committed.

Such a thinking stems primarily from a position that, they are not wrong; they haven’t done anything wrong. Their ego doesn’t let see the truth, and doesn’t allow them to say, “I am sorry; I am wrong; Please forgive me” with honesty and integrity. They can never arrive at a heartfelt and intentional desire, to rectify their wrong, in a meaningful manner. They don’t own their mistake, because, they don’t think they have done any wrong. Therefore, there is no accountability.

Sadly, such people are called smart, intelligent and worldly-wise, in these days. An honest and transparent person, even if doing wrong, can be more trusted; much more than someone, who accepts and apologise his mistake, but doesn’t show it in his actions. 

Beware the sin of lies and lying. Lies are dangerous to our soul, spirit, mind and body. Lies never helped anyone. Lies always lead us to death and destruction. The reason being – father of lies is Lucifer. When we lie, we become his children. God is truth; and when we speak the truth, we demonstrate, who our Father is, just as the old English proverb says, “Like Father, like son.”