Are you really Sorry

And the Lord turned and looked at Peter.

Luke 22:61

Have you ever had someone give you a weak “I’m sorry”? Or perhaps it was said in the most heartfelt way, yet their actions afterwards revealed that they weren’t really sorry after all. There’s a difference in being remorseful (sorry about your actions or sorry about being caught) versus repentance (sorry about your actions and turning away from them).

Judas and Peter were both sorry about their role after Jesus was taken by the Pharisees. In his remorse and seeing Jesus condemned, Judas went back to return the 30 pieces of silver. Yet instead of returning to the disciples with confession and repentance, he killed himself.

Peter made a bold proclamation that he would never leave Jesus, even if the other disciples deserted him. However, Jesus predicted that Peter would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed—not even a whole day would pass before his denial. When Jesus was taken prisoner, Peter stayed close by to see what was going on.

One of the most defining moments was after Peter denied Jesus three times and the rooster crowed. In the midst of the craziness of the proceedings, Jesus turned to look at Peter. How difficult was it for Peter to see Jesus eye to eye? What did Jesus’ eyes reveal? Perhaps His eyes showed that He still loved him in spite of his denial. Peter left and wept bitterly; however, he did return to strengthen the other disciples.

The true evidence of repentance is when we turn away from doing wrong. The Lord will convict of our sins, yet we must be willing to submit our will to Him. It’s our actions that reveal the state of our hearts.