How often do we think that someone's suffering is because of their sin? "They had it coming" goes through our mind. Jesus knowing the hearts of those around Him addressed this very thing in Luke 13:1-5. Some people had been murdered and others had died in an accident, and Jesus asked is sin the cause of their suffering? He responds "no, and unless you repent, you will perish too." What He is saying here is that we have all sinned and therefore deserve punishment and only by the grace of God are we saved.
Since we all struggle with sin we all need to become repentant, that is living a lifestyle of confessing our sins. Salvation starts the process of transformation, repentance continues it, until through the Holy Spirit we are formed into the image of Jesus Christ. When true repentance takes place change occurs for we have given God the right to work in our heart. He will never forcefully change us, it must be a free will choice. We must see our wrong doing and realize our need for change and therefore repentance follow.
In the Parable of the Fig Tree in Luke 13:6-9 Jesus is showing His patience with us in regards to spiritual growth. Change does not happen over night but if we really meant it when we gave our life to Him, change will eventually occur. When someone appreciates someone else that person will rub off on them over time. The ways of Jesus are completely contrary to the world, there is no way we can remain connected to Him and no character change takes place. He is the light, all darkness is exposed, we cannot stand being in His presence and remain in sin, repentance is the natural response to growing deeper in relationship with Him.
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