Forgiveness brings joy.

Forgiveness brings joy. Or at least it ought to.

Sometimes, for one who bends toward perfectionism like I do, forgiveness doesn't lead to joy but instead to regret. Sometimes, being forgiven by God of my sins means I should remain in a doghouse of mental self-flagellation, humility, and sorrow. In essence, regret about past sins keeps me wailing out Paul's question, "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" instead of basking in Paul's answer: "I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 7:24-25). Can you relate?

Thankfully, I am learning that regret is not the response to take to forgiveness. God is showing me that proper sorrow for sin, while it leads to repentance, leaves no room for regret (2 Corinthians 7:10). King David provides an examplary outlook to receiving forgiveness. For him, restoration to God through His forgiveness meant joy, instructing others about God, and praise and worship (Psalm 51:12-19).

I much prefer David's response to God's forgiveness of sins. I hope I learn it.