Repentance is not a shameful, legalistic thing that only religious people do. Often we repent to friends, family, spouse, neighbors, and strangers. However, for many of us, we resist repentance because we hate admitting we are wrong. We struggle to muster up the humility and courage to admit something was our fault; that we are responsible. However, repentance is incredibly powerful and matters deeply. And, it’s for all people as a gift.
Repentance is not only about remorse and confession. It’s not only about changing our ways. True repentance is the whole package. It’s an all-in process.
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord…” Acts 3:19
The Bible says to not only stop what you are doing, and confess, but choose a new path. Make a different choice in that same area next time. This is more than an apology. It’s more than stopping an act. It’s all of that, plus understanding how that silly thing you did affected God and others negatively. Then, committing to do differently next time. Again, it’s an all-in process.
And don’t you love it when someone does all of this in an area they have legitimately wronged you? Doesn’t it dramatically change how you see them and feel about them?
It is only by God’s grace that we can repent. We confess, acknowledge the impact, and turn from our old ways because there is the promise of forgiveness from God. Made possible only by Jesus’ death and resurrection on the cross. If there was no grace offered, forgiveness for repentance, we would all likely choose not to do it.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
Repentance matters deeply, primarily because it’s a command of God. But the sweet part for our lives is the forgiveness, the healing, the comfort, the compassion, and most of all the love that God pours into us in return. All the more reason to make full repentance a daily priority.
Surrender is Freedom 