Remorse and Repentance

Today in a bible study I attend we were discussing John 18. That is the part in the Bible right before Jesus's trial and crucifixion where Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss to the Roman soldiers and Peter denies Jesus three times to the temple guards. We were discussing the difference between "remorse" and "repentance". Even though both men betrayed Jesus in his time of need, the scriptures say Judas feels remorse and Peter demonstrated repentance.
Judas' remorse for his wrongdoing led him to hang himself but Peter's repentance for his wrongdoing led him to go on and have an amazing ministry for Christ.

So, how did these two men have such different reactions to their sinful actions?

Well, yourdictionary.com defines "Remorse" as: a deep, torturing sense of guilt felt over a wrong that one has done. "Repentance" is defined as: to feel such regret for past conduct as to change one's mind regarding it.

The difference between Judas and Peter is that Judas never humbled himself and asked for forgiveness. His guilt, therefore, followed him-torturing him, until he couldn't take it any longer and ended his life. The scriptures say, Peter, on the other hand, "wept deeply" over his actions and we learn that he sought forgiveness from the Lord. Peter humbled himself and repented of his sins-allowing God to free him of his guilt. This freedom fueled a ministry for Peter that was one of true devotion to God and passion to do Christ's work for the remainder of his life.

Praise God for the freedom He so mercifully gives when we repent!