How can we apply the lessons of Ezekiel 36:31 in daily spiritual growth? The Verse in Focus “Then you will remember your evil ways and wicked deeds, and you will loathe yourselves for your iniquities and abominations.” (Ezekiel 36:31) Why God Calls Us to Remember • God’s restoration includes a heart that no longer excuses sin. • Remembering past sins fosters humility (Micah 6:8) and guards against pride (1 Corinthians 10:12). • True repentance produces godly sorrow that leads to life, not despair (2 Corinthians 7:10). Daily Practices That Keep Ezekiel 36:31 Alive • Morning examination – Begin each day asking the Spirit to “search me, O God, and know my heart” (Psalm 139:23-24). – Jot down any attitudes or actions from yesterday that grieved the Lord. • Honest confession – Speak specific sins aloud to God (1 John 1:9). – Avoid vague language; name what Scripture names. • Healthy self-loathing vs. self-condemnation – Loathing sin means agreeing with God about its ugliness while embracing Christ’s finished work (Romans 8:1). – Reject shame that lingers after forgiveness; receive cleansing joy (Psalm 51:7-12). • Gratitude for grace – Immediately thank God for the new heart He promised in this same chapter (Ezekiel 36:26). – Keep a running list of ways He is changing formerly hard places in your life. • Ongoing accountability – Share what the Lord exposes with a trusted believer (James 5:16). – Celebrate noticeable growth together; pray over recurring struggles. Guardrails for Continual Growth • Stay Scripture-saturated—let the Word mirror your soul daily (James 1:22-25). • Cultivate quick repentance—deal with conviction promptly rather than letting calluses form (Hebrews 3:13). • Replace old patterns—intentionally practice the opposite virtue of every confessed sin (Ephesians 4:22-24). The Fruit You Can Expect • Deeper humility that makes you approachable and teachable. • Heightened gratitude that fuels worship and generosity. • Increased sensitivity to sin, leading to quicker obedience. • A credible witness—others see real transformation, not perfection but honest progress (Philippians 1:6). Closing Thought Remembering where God found us keeps the cross vivid and our hearts soft, turning daily repentance into daily renewal. |
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