Repentance - More than "I'm Sorry"

Think about when we were kids and our parents told us to apologize. How many, at one point or another, apologized through gritted teeth. You said the words but were definitely NOT sorry in that moment.

​

The reality is that saying "I'm sorry" is just words if there isn't action behind it.

​

When we choose to ask Jesus to be our Lord and Savior, one of the most important things we do is repent for our sins. Romans 8:23 says we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Jesus' sacrifice paid the penalty for those sins so we can be with God again...forever.

​

What does repenting really involve?

1. Admit that we were wrong and agree with God that it is sin. Be specific.

   • Address everyone involved (All those whom you affected)

   • Avoid words like: if, but, and maybe (Do not try to excuse your wrongs)

   • Admit your wrongs specifically (Both attitudes and actions)

   • Acknowledge the hurt (Express sorrow for hurting someone)

   • Accept the consequences (Such as making restitution)

   • Alter your behavior (Change your attitudes and actions)

   • Ask for forgiveness

2. Have Godly sorrow – that is being so sorry we will do whatever it takes to fix it

   • Decide with our will to get rid of it. I DO NOT want to ________

   • Like most things in God, it requires a decision on our parts.

   • We don’t have a choice because the Bible tells us not to sin, but killing it requires a decision of our will.

3. Confess our Sin and Make it Right

   • We confess to God AND to the person.

   • Holy Spirit will show us how to make it right – it has to be more than just empty words.

4. Put something in place so we never do it again.

   • God always makes a way and He gives us plenty of tools to have success.

   • This is a process that we aren’t going to be perfect overnight.

   • If the thing you put in place doesn't work, find something else!

​

Holy Spirit tools

We need all the tools we can when we are working to turn away from our sins. Here are a few key ones:

• Remember the life we live is not for us – it is for the glory of Jesus

• Remember we are living for eternal rewards, not just today's comfort or desires

• Be thankful - this kills our selfishness pretty quickly!

• Spending time with God

• Prayer

• Reading our Bible

• Putting on our armor so we can stand against the enemy