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The Weight of Repentance

"The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'"

(Luke 15:21 NIV)

Repentance involves acknowledging our mistakes and taking responsibility for our actions.

It does not involve taking a whip to our own backs and punishing ourselves for the things we have done wrong during our time away from the Father.

God disciplines those He loves. Yes, discipline is not pleasant whilst it is happening, but it produces a life of obedience and surrender. God’s discipline is a sign that He loves you and accepts you as His own child. There is no need to add to that heavenly discipline with your own self-punishing judgement.

The prodigal son knew what it was to feel unworthy. He rehearsed his speech of apology over and over all the way home to his father’s house. His humility led to his restoration, yes. But his self-punishment was not necessary.

Proclaiming to his father that he was no longer worthy to be called his son must have broken the father’s heart. How could he think and even say such a thing?

No matter what you have done, your position as a child of God has never and can never be revoked. You are loved. Unashamedly, over-the-top, exceedingly more than you could ask or imagine – loved!

Knowing and accepting this is so freeing and only produces more worship in our hearts for the Father of all grace.

True repentance is not about guilt but about turning away from sin and back toward God.

Repentance is not simply an apology, it is a decision to turn 180 degrees in the other direction and to lay down, once and for all, that which separates you from your heavenly Father.

Today, spend some time reflecting on what it means to repent and consider the freedom that comes with returning to the Father with a humble heart.

Father,

I repent of the ways I have sinned against You. I lay my burdens and failures before You, trusting that You will forgive me and restore me. Cleanse my heart and help me live in a way that honours You.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Action: Write a letter to God today, expressing your repentance for any areas where you feel you’ve been distant. Be honest about your struggles and trust in His forgiveness.