Times of Refreshment Through Sincere Repentance

Have you ever made a big mistake and avoided apologizing to the person affected for a long time? If so, you’re likely familiar with that unsettling feeling that comes with the thought of the truth coming to light. Maybe your mistake even cost you some sleepless nights, or you tried to avoid the person altogether.

The best thing we can do in such a situation is to put all our cards on the table as soon as possible and reveal the whole truth. This isn’t easy and requires courage, but it’s the only way we have a chance to hear the liberating words, “I forgive you.” How wonderful these few words sound to our soul! The hours of self-blame suddenly vanish, and the sleepless nights, endless spiraling thoughts, and self-isolation out of fear of facing the person are all forgotten.

But a true guarantee of forgiveness can only be found with God. He offers us the assurance in advance that He forgives us if we turn to Him with sincere repentance. Luke 24:47 speaks of preaching repentance and forgiveness of sins in His name. Peter expressed it in a sermon at the temple, saying, “Repent and turn to God, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19). What an incredible gift God holds out to us when we turn to Him in genuine repentance.

Yet forgiveness is not only a release for our soul but also a bridge to God’s love and renewal. When we have forgiven, we can come freely to God and experience His love and acceptance in His presence. He renews us in spirit and soul, making our forgiveness the foundation for abundant blessings in our lives.

Next Step: Did someone come to mind as you were reading, someone you may need to speak to? Go to God in prayer and ask Him to reveal if there is any area where you should “lay all your cards on the table” today. If you feel you lack the strength, ask God to give you the will and the ability to follow through – Philippians 2:13. Or perhaps, you simply want to thank God for forgiving us, a unique act of grace.