Repentance 

Repentance means turning around, humbly returning to the Father who is longing to embrace us again. Acknowledging our sin is a crucial step in restoring our relationships with God and others. 

From an Africa Study Bible learn note titled “Repentance”:

How often can a person be forgiven for the same sin? If a person is truly sorry will their life change? What is true repentance? 

The Yoruba people in Nigeria are known for kneeling before their elders when they want to intercede for a person who repents of an offence. They have a proverb that translates: “If a man acknowledges his offence as a transgression, he will not spend a long time kneeling down.” This proverb illustrates the two essential parts of repentance: the humble penitence on our part and gracious forgiveness on God’s part.

True repentance involves an honest and total admission of guilt. If the sin offends another person, we should confess not just to God but to each wronged person. Second, we need a total break with sin. We should completely avoid that which encouraged the sin. Third, we should show the godly sorrow of a broken and humble spirit. Finally, we can claim God’s forgiveness, and God promises to forgive us. 

Sin often breaks relationships with God and with other people. True repentance is a mental and spiritual shift from sin to holiness, forgiveness, and reconciliation. It heals broken relationships. True repentance brings peace, joy, and freedom from guilt.

Today: 

In quiet meditation, examine your life and see if there is something that you have done that has broken your relationship with God, a family member, a friend, or a neighbour. It could be unkind words spoken about family members, not giving help when needed, inappropriate relationships that broke faith with God, or a selfish and proud attitude. Admit your sin, confess to God and the wronged person, make every effort not to repeat the sin, and joyfully accept God’s forgiveness.