the difference between Judas and Peter

We read these verses today in the One Year Bible reading:

2 SAMUEL 19:11-20:13
JOHN 21:1-25
PSALM 120:1-7
PROVERBS 16:16-17

In the last reading we'll do from John this year, we see Jesus reinstating Peter as His disciple. Peter denied Jesus in His greatest time of need, just as Jesus said He would. But Peter repented. And Jesus asked him three times (once for each time he denied Him) if he loved Him. This made Peter His disciple again, and he later went on to become the first pope! That's the power of repentance and forgiveness. 

Judas, on the other hand, also betrayed Jesus, but he didn't repent. Instead, he gave in to despair and took his own life. This shows what can happen to you if you refuse to repent and be forgiven for your sins. 

Every day we choose to be either like Peter, and repent and be drawn back to Jesus from the sins that try to drag us down... or we choose to be like Judas, refuse to repent, and slide a little farther away from Him. 

Which will you choose today? 

God, thank You for teaching us the difference between Peter and Judas. Help us be more like Peter.