I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
Luke 15:7 NIV
Joy in Heaven
Can people increase their overall happiness by committing to small, daily acts of joy? It’s a question that researchers at the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley, sought to answer when they partnered with documentary filmmakers to create an accompanying social impact campaign. In the two years since, more than 85,200 people from 207 countries have given it a try, including about 3,700 from Canada, and the preliminary data seem to suggest the answer to that question is yes.
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Human beings tend to be a proud bunch. We don’t like to admit when we are wrong. We don’t like to seek forgiveness. We want others to think we are practically perfect in every way, even when they know we aren’t, and in our heart of hearts, we know we aren’t either. So why do we find it so difficult to admit our sin and repent? If you’re wrestling with this, let me quote what Jesus said about this in Luke 15:7: “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” Heaven is waiting for you to repent of your sin and put your faith and trust in Jesus. It is a lie to believe that God is just waiting to pounce on us with condemnation and retribution. In fact, just the opposite is true. He says that when a person confesses their sin and repents, trusting Jesus to remove it, a party is held in heaven. For you.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley