Let’s talk repentance
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
It wasn’t until recently that I started practicing repentance. I always knew repentance was a gift, but I never realized how powerful and imperative it is in having a fruitful and intimate relationship with God. I think I subconsciously thought that because Jesus died for our sins, there was nothing to do but receive God’s forgiveness and wait for him to change my heart. I did not realize what a blessing it is to be active in the gift of repentance.
Repentance is a gift from God
Therefore this is what the Lord says:
“If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them.
Jeremiah 15:19
Repentance is a gift from God and one that has been around since the beginning of time. Acts of repentance are found in both the old and new testaments.
Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’
Matthew 4:7
Many of the prophets and leaders were led to repentance when they sinned against God. David repented after committing murder and adultery. Abraham repented when he decided to give his entire life to God after leaving behind a family and lifestyle of paganism. Paul repented for killing so many Christians once he had an encounter with the one, true, living God. Repentance is not exclusive to anyone, but available to everyone. It is not the Lord’s will for any to perish, but for all to experience eternal life with Him (2 Peter 3:9). Repentance is a gift and it is up to us to open our heart to receive it.
Repent, not just in words but action
One thing I realized when I started to have a deeper, more personal relationship with God is that repentance is not just something to be done in words, but action as well. It is not enough to just say, “I repent.” Our actions must also reflect a heart of repentance. I realized that I should partner with God to glorify His name throughout the earth. One way to do this is by displaying works that glorify His name and show a heart of repentance. It is not just about feeling bad, it is about surrendering this emotion and shame to the Lord and learning to walk in His ways more.
When we read the Lord’s words and study scripture, it is our responsibility to live out these words. When we don’t, then we need to confess our sins and repent.
Repentance to others
We are called to repent to God, but we are also called to repent to others as well. When we feel conviction for what we have done to others, we are called to reconciliation.
Matthew 5:21-24 says,
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
This passage is pretty self-explanatory. Reconciliation is so important to the Lord that he says any of us who are angry with our brother and sister and call them out of their name are subject to judgement and in danger of hell fire. This is not something that should brew fear in us. Instead, we should prioritize repentance and reconciliation to others because God considers it a priority. It’s very important to Him and therefore should be important to us.
To share a personal story, I have a friend that I had a falling out with a couple of years ago that I apologized to afterwards. The falling out was my fault and I knew it, although I tried to deny it for a long time. Even others around me fed my ego, telling me it was her fault. However, I knew deep down it
Lack of repentance can block our blessings
When we do not repent for our sins, we can block the blessings God has waiting for us. The bible says, “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13).
We will not prosper or have the relationship we desire with God or others if we do not confess our sins and renounce it. We will find mercy once we do.
In summary, repentance is something that we should do regularly, not just once in a while. It should be done as an act of reverence to the Lord and out of love for Him and others. When we repent, we see that the fruit of this is experiencing a rich, fruitful and intimate relationship with God.