Have you ever been very angry at someone because of something they did? How did it feel?
Many people get angry and decide not to talk to the person who hurt them until he or she makes amends. Some would even vent out they feel and expect a ‘Sorry, I won’t do it again,’ from the erring person. There are those who are let off but then you find them doing the same thing again. You might get angry to the point of never wanting to talk to that person again!
Relationships are very important
The saying that ‘No man is an island’ is very true. We cannot survive without relationships.
God is like us, too. He values relationships. In fact, He made us human beings in His own image. He made us a lot like Him, so much so that we have a need for relationships and love just like Him. The truth is that God created Adam so He could have a relationship with him!
Sin separates us from God
Our relationship with God is the most important thing we have. Our life on earth is temporary. Everyone will die eventually. After this lifetime we will spend eternity somewhere – either in heaven or hell. God wants us to spend eternity with Him. He has laid down instructions so that we can be with Him in heaven. God’s instructions are also called ‘laws.’ When we do something His laws, it is called ‘sin.’
Sin separates us from God
‘Sin’ is defined as a “transgression of the law of God.” Sin grieves the Creator’s heart and causes a distance to come between God and us. Just as we expect those who hurt us to say ‘sorry’ and make amends, God too expects us to realize we have done wrong, repent and make amends.
What does ‘Repentance‘ mean? The Cambridge Dictionary says, “The fact of showing that you are very sorry for something bad you have done in the past, and wish that you had not done it.” The definition of ‘repent’ is “to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one’s life; to feel regret or contrition; to change one’s mind; to cause to feel regret or contrition; to feel sorrow, regret, or contrition for.”
How important is repentance to God?
In Ezekiel 18:30-32 God says, “Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!” NIV
In the book of Jonah, after the prophet warned the people of Nineveh, they turned from their wicked ways. Their repentance caused God to change His decision and not destroy them. “And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God revoked His [sentence of] evil that He had said that He would do to them and He did not do it [for He was comforted and eased concerning them].” Jonah 3:10 AMP
Jonah speaks about the nature of God in Jonah 4:2, He says, “You are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness, and [when sinners turn to You and meet Your conditions] You revoke the [sentence of] evil against them.” AMP
Is Repentance relevant today?
Many people think that repentance is not relevant today. The truth is that both John the Baptist and Jesus began their ministry by calling for repentance. Matthew 3: 1-2 says, “In those days there appeared John the Baptist, preaching in the Wilderness (Desert) of Judea. And saying, Repent (think differently; change your mind, regretting your sins and changing your conduct), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” AMP
Repentance
Jesus began to preach, saying “Repent (change your mind for the better, heartily amend your ways, with abhorrence of your past sins), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 In Mark 1:15 Jesus says, “The [appointed period of] time is fulfilled (completed), and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent (have a change of mind which issues in regret for past sins and in change of conduct for the better) and believe (trust in, rely on, and adhere to) the good news (the Gospel).” AMP
A Time for Soul-searching
There are times in our life when we need to think about the things we have done, close some chapters and put some things away. Even growing up requires us to stop being children, and start accepting and assuming the role and duty of an adult.
Take some time off from the busyness of life to ponder if there is something that weighs heavily on your heart. Is there something that you have done that makes you feel guilty, dirty or makes you hate yourself? Is there something you feel you have to hide so others won’t hate you? Is there something that causes you to go far away from God as it makes you feel uncomfortable inside? These are the things that you need to take to God, ask for His help to deal with and overcome so that you can a carefree and happy life as His child again.
Are you ready to repent for your wrongdoing and live a wholesome and peaceful life?
God is waiting for you!
