February 21, 2026

I Samuel 15: 24 (NIV)

Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned. I have violated the Lord’s command and your instructions. . .”

Christians are never judged by the confessions they make, or the creed they recite; it is always by their deeds.*

This verse contains Saul’s confession – offered after Samuel had confronted him with his offense. This was not the first time that Saul had demonstrated his weakness under pressure, as well as a willingness to bend the rules.

Often we are sorry we got caught more than we are sorry for what we did. But sometimes getting caught is the first step toward repentance. Isn't it often the case that it's the fear of consequences that causes us to put a halt to our sinful actions?

The proof of the genuineness of our repentance will be found in how we live our lives from that moment on. Saul’s confession sounded good, but as someone has observed, “his direction of life did not correspond with his words.”* As John the Baptist preached, “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” (Matthew 3: 8) And don’t be sorry you got caught – be glad you got caught in time!

True repentance is not satisfied with resolutions, its sincerity must be proved by actions.*