Repentance

 

As we march through our Lenten season, exploring words that have a resounding impact on our Lenten focus, we come upon Repentance.  Repentance:  sincere regret or remorse.   Repentance is a word that is used often during Lent as we reflect, in a simple way, over our sinful nature.  There is not a day that goes by when we do not sin.  Large or small, consciously, or unconsciously, we sin.  It is sad to think that we cannot move through one day without having a sinful thought or action.  Yet, we need to glorify and give thanks that we have a Savior who acted on our behalf and listens to our repentance.  Repentance takes actions. 

Repentance takes the action of reflection for us to review our thoughts and activities to see where we went wrong.  A couple of weeks ago, I focused on the importance of reflection, especially during Lent.  Reflection should encompass where we went wrong, reliving the moments of our days, helping us to see our sins for what they are – the darker side of our being.  Reflecting on our sins should occur not only in the moment of the sin, but daily.  Our ability to see where our focus turned away from God and on ourselves helps us to repent and understand the importance of Jesus’ walk to Calvary.

Repentance also takes the action of feeling remorse or regret, leading to humility.  I am certain there have been times when we have boasted about our wrong doings.  Maybe we were proud of how we poorly treated someone.  Perhaps we justified our wrongdoing with a good ‘they deserved it.’  I know there have been times when I have acted in this manner.  I look back upon those times in disgust.  It is not the way God wants me to live my life.  Our goal should always be to come to Jesus with our sins and a heart of humility, filled with remorse for what we have done.  Only then can we understand the true action of Jesus dying on the cross for our sins.

Repentance also takes the action of change.  We can reflect on our sins.  We can have a heart filled with humility.  God also wants us to ‘turn from our wicked ways.’  That means spending time putting into action ways that we will not act or think in that same sinful manner.  Being perfect in that light will never happen.  Remember, we have a sinful nature.  Yet, turning away from what brought upon our sin and working towards the path God wants us on means we need to change.  This can sometimes be the most challenging part of repentance.  It can also be the most rewarding.  If we can change a part of our sinful nature, as we reflect with our humility heart, we can see the goodness of God as he helps us on that journey.

Our Lord wants us to repent, to reflect, to humble ourselves in front of Him, to ask for forgiveness and to change from our wicked ways. This means we need to act and DO something.  No, we will not be perfect in this mission, but our goal for trying and realizing when we fall short, is where forgiveness and healing begins.

Dearest Jesus, we ask for your help in opening our eyes to where we have gone wrong.  May we repent to you, the true perfect one, and understand that forgiveness can only come through you.  May our life be filled with your goodness and mercy as we strive to be the people you want us to be.  Amen!