Repentance is a life-giving word

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What do you think about when you hear the word ‘repent’?

For some, the word conjures up an image of a pompous person pointing his finger in your face and telling you what to do. However, repentance is actually a very good word. As a matter of fact, it is a life-giving word that can open the door to all kinds of possibilities in your life. "Repentance" means a change in mind that leads to a change in direction.

As a Christian, I believe that the standard for repentance is found in the Bible. Sin is a deviation from God’s way and by repenting, we can get back to where God wants us to be. Repentance involves an admission of error on our part and a willingness to yield to God.

That’s a good thing. God is the creator and sustainer of life. He is the source of eternal life, so to follow His way really makes a lot of sense.

However, sometimes we don’t want to yield. Sometimes we insist on doing things our way. God has given us a free will and we can go in another direction if we choose to do so. But you need to remember that it doesn’t end well when we choose our way over God’s way.

Proverbs 14:14 says, “The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, but a good man will be satisfied from above.” In other words, if you go your way, you get out of life what you can provide. If you go God’s way, you get out of life what God can provide. 

So, if you are in a backslidden condition and find yourself eating the fruit of your own ways, why don’t you stop and repent? Get back in on what God can do in your life. I guarantee you, He can take care of you a lot better than you can take care of yourself.

backsliding, forgiveness, free will, repentance