How can we express sorrow for sin in our lives today?

Ezra’s Example of Brokenness

“When I heard this report, I tore my tunic and cloak, pulled hair from my head and beard, and sat down appalled.” (BSB, Ezra 9:3)

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Why Genuine Sorrow Still Matters

• Sin breaks fellowship with a holy God.

• Real grief over sin shows we grasp the seriousness of that breach.

• Godly sorrow leads to repentance that “brings salvation without regret” (2 Corinthians 7:10).

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Practical Ways to Express Godly Sorrow Today

• Humble confession

– Speak plainly to God about specific sins (Psalm 32:5; 1 John 1:9).

– Refuse excuses; own the offense.

• Visible acts of humility

– Fast or set aside comforts to focus on repentance (Joel 2:12–13).

– Kneel, bow, or even lie prostrate—a body posture can help the heart bow.

• Scripture-saturated lament

– Read Psalm 51 aloud, personalizing David’s words.

– Let passages like James 4:8-10 guide times of mourning and cleansing.

• Restitution where possible

– Return what was taken, repair what was broken (Luke 19:8-9).

– Seek forgiveness from those wronged (Matthew 5:23-24).

• Accountability and community

– Share your struggle with a mature believer (Galatians 6:1-2).

– Invite prayer and loving correction to prevent repeat sin.

• Continual heart check

– Ask the Spirit to expose hidden motives (Psalm 139:23-24).

– Stay alert to subtle compromises.

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Guarding Against Empty Ritual

• Outward actions without inward repentance become hypocrisy (Isaiah 58:3-7).

• God desires “a broken and contrite heart” above mere ceremony (Psalm 51:17).

• Keep the focus on restored relationship, not on performance.

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Hope Beyond the Tears

• Confession leads to cleansing (1 John 1:9).

• Mercy awaits those who “confess and renounce” sin (Proverbs 28:13).

• God lifts up the humbled (James 4:10), turning grief into renewed joy.