Lent: A Journey Through 7 Spiritual DisciplinesSample

Week Three: Repentance

Think about a recent time when you changed your mind and went in a completely different direction. In this week of Lent, we are looking at the discipline of repentance, or as the Greek word metanoia indicates, “a change of mind.”

Repentance is the act of looking at our behavior, recognizing it as sinful, asking for God's forgiveness, and then turning away from that behavior. It seems so simple, and yet Jesus sent us a helper—the Holy Spirit—to help us with this very thing (John 16:7–8).

It is only by the goodness of God that we see your sin, by the power of God that we turn away from sin, and by the sacrifice of Jesus that our sin is reconciled. Humbling, isn’t it?

There is tension in repentance because when we invite the Holy Spirit into our dark places, we confront pride, rebellion, fear, and skepticism. The fact that we even practice repentance is a witness to the loving nature of God—otherwise, we would never acknowledge our brokenness.

Once the Holy Spirit helps us see a need for change, how do we move from remorse to healing? The answer lies in where we keep your focus. That is the difference between conviction and condemnation.

Condemnation is not of God and involves shame, disapproval, and feelings of hopelessness. Our focus is not on God but on ourselves. Condemnation always keeps the attention on our failure and not on God’s goodness.

Conviction is acknowledgment of sin with the focus on God’s lovingkindness. The Holy Spirit then gives us strength to turn away—though this often isn’t immediate. Our focus is always on God and not on ourselves.

This week, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas in your life where He would like to see change. Don’t be surprised if He starts small and, as you gain strength, moves to other areas. Rely on God’s goodness and His love for you versus your need to be perfect. He wants to set you free—to this end, He is patient and full of mercy.

1. If you could change one habit in your life, what would it be? Why?
2. Do you feel worthy of God’s love? Why or why not?
3. Look through your schedule, your roles, and how you spend your free time. Is God the King of your life? What needs to change?