Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?
I think most people are like Jonah. We would rather see God send down fire from heaven ... well righteous fire from heaven ... upon the wicked. The problem we have with "the wicked" is that we believe OTHERS are the wicked and that they have been wicked to us. So we deeply desire within our hearts for them to suffer.
But, before God all sins are the same. The truth is that all of us are "the wicked".
Likewise we must also understand that if anyone does not turn, then God will leave them to the consequences of their actions. God isn't one to give you a hug and say: "I love you man! It's OK that you live a wicked life."
No, there are consequence and there will be punishment. So don't lie to people in telling them that it is just fine to sin. It isn't.
Then you will remember your evil ways, and your deeds that were not good, and you will loathe yourselves for your iniquities and your abominations.
As our hearts turn more to God we start to see the evils we have done. Like the morning after a drunken binge, your actions from the night before come crashing down upon your head. Just don't let that cripple you from acting.
Emotions are a good thing. For example fear. Fear can lead you to make the right choices in life. Easy example: don't play with the lion. But, emotions are meant to be understood, controlled, and used. Fear that gets out of hand will cripple a person from doing the right thing at the right time. You must accept it and control it.
Loathing is another emotion. How can it be bad? If you begin to loath yourself it can lead to crippling inaction. Where you would rather hate yourself and hold back from others. Others that may need you to act NOW and to love them NOW. But, it can be good. Use that feeling to remind yourself on what not to do. Know and understand what actions lead to it and rather take a new path.
A child will keep their hand off a hot stove after being burned once. Do likewise.
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
Remember.
Your calender and day planner is not God's calender and day planner.
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