Repentance: “Want To” not “Have To”

By Chad McComas

Repentance is a good thing. It is about letting go of doing things our way and letting God do things His way. Repentance is a life choice we make to accept Jesus...and it is a daily process of making choices to follow Jesus.

There are two ways to motivate: fear and love. The difference is longevity. Motivation by fear is short-lived. Motivation by love is everlasting. We have all experienced presentations that try to motivate people to accept Jesus out of fear for what happens if they don't. “Repent or burn in hell!” The premise might be true, but “fear” repentance is not a true repentance...it's just fire insurance. After a while fire insurance doesn't hold our attention. It is not a heart experience. Fire insurance is repenting because I “HAVE TO” not because I “WANT TO.” It is the “want to” that Jesus is after.

Paul talks about “want to” repentance: “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?” Romans 2:4 God's kindness, patience and love for us leads us to “want to” repent. This is repentance out of love. This is the repentance that leads us to salvation and into God's kingdom.

Jesus started His ministry with this announcement: “From that time on Jesus began to preach, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.'” Matthew 4:17 The “Kingdom” was something the people had been looking forward to. They expected a Messiah to set up this new kingdom. They longed to be part of it and experience it. Jesus offered the opportunity and ability to be part of God's Kingdom through repentance. Repentance isn't a “have to” but a “want to.” I want to be forgiven; know God; be part of the Kingdom; eave my old ways of living behind; live a new way; be free from sin; have the Holy Spirit live inside me to lead my life; accept God's love and learn to love God and others.

I WANT TO...so I repent. I make a 180 degree turn. I leave my old ways behind and begin new ways. I'm motivated by being accepted, loved and cherished. Fear I leave behind. It doesn't motivate me to move ahead.

Jesus told Nicodemus: “For God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.” John 3:17,18 It is more fearful to live life without Jesus than it is to live life with Jesus. I'm not condemned, I am accepted and loved. Love motivates....forever.