Repentance is so much more than just saying, “I’m sorry.” It involves a shift in perspective (Matthew 4:17), acknowledgement of wrongdoing (Psalm 51:1-2), confession (1 John 1:9), and movement to change (Matthew 3:8, Acts 26:20).
As we engage in this process, God gives us grace to help by His Spirit (Hebrews 4:16), which is why Jesus refers to Him as the Helper (John 15:26).
2 Chronicles 7:14 If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
God does not want to bring judgment. He desires mercy and restoration. To receive the healing that the land of our hearts, relationships, and culture needs, God has given us the specific steps for the process of repentance as follows:
- Humble Ourselves
- Pray
- Seek His Face
- Turn from Wickedness (Repentance)
Prayer:
Lord, I love You. Thank You for today. There is sin in my life (name the sin). Please, forgive my sin and cleanse me from my iniquity. You are my only hope of salvation and freedom. Help me to know You and to be holy as You are. Give me wisdom to know Your heart and mind and to recognize my sin for what it is. Help me to repent and to come into alignment with You. Give me the grace and strength I need to love You and to obey You. Help me, Holy Spirit, to follow Jesus more closely. Amen.