¹⁰ In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.”

⁷ In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!

¹⁰ For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.

¹¹ As surely as I live, says the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live. Turn! Turn from your wickedness, O people of Israel! Why should you die?

²³ “Do you think that I like to see wicked people die? says the Sovereign Lord. Of course not! I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live.

⁵ No, and I tell you again that unless you repent, you will perish, too.”

¹⁴ In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish.

³² I don’t want you to die, says the Sovereign Lord. Turn back and live!

¹⁴ Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation.

¹⁸ When the others heard this, they stopped objecting and began praising God. They said, “We can see that God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of repenting of their sins and receiving eternal life.”