True Repentance Changes Our Lives

By Denise Spooner

I can still hear the sound of my own voice telling one of my children to apologize for a harsh word spoken to a sibling. Suddenly, I am reminded of what true repentance is, and what it is not.

“I’m sorry,” the one would say to the other.

“Now say it like you really mean it.” I would tell them.

They would repeat it one more time, a bit more solemn, but sometimes I knew it did not come from their hearts. I, too, would so often apologize to my own husband, only to be saying sorry again for the same action. Was I truly sorry? Were my words of apology just vain and meaningless? I felt sorry at the time, but was I sorry enough to actively alter my behavior?

The Bible tells us that our sorrow should lead us to repentance. When we are sorry in a godly manner such as being truly sorrowful, this produces a type of repentance that leads to salvation. “For Godly sorrow produces repentance which leads to salvation.” 2 Corinthians 7:10 First, there is salvation in the form of believing in Christ’s unconditional love for us and accepting His free gift of salvation. Next, there is salvation in knowing we are saved and sealed with Jesus in heavenly places. Then, there is salvation that is worked out during our lifetime. And finally, a salvation that becomes such a part of our lives that its threads are woven creatively in the fabric of our souls and evidenced in the magnificent garment resulting from true repentance. “The Lord is not slack regarding His promise …but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

I began asking God to search my heart and expose any areas within me that repentance had not been applied. God gently uncovered those hidden areas where repentance was the necessary thread needed to sew the lost fibers of my life back together. True repentance was an indispensable element that was lacking in my life, my relationships with others, and most importantly my relationship with Jesus. It brought me peace and joy. As followers of Jesus, what are we going to do today to make repentance a customary event in our lives?

Denise Spooner writes from Grants Pass, Oregon created2write4Him@yahoo.com