Repentance: The first step to the right path

Going back to the days when we were kids, we all would have been mischievous and disobedient at many times. Rings a bell? Yeah! I was too. How our parents would go shouting and correcting us every now and then. But each time we went back and said just a SORRY, we were forgiven and hugged right away. I am sure we weren’t thrown out of the house and disowned for hiding and eating that chocolate from the fridge or for playing outside for long hours when our  parents have already called us back home much earlier. Yes they would get angry, yes they would shout and spank, but never once did they hate us for any wrongs we did, right? Even today they love us the same, don’t they? What made the difference then?

Just a SORRY!

All that our parents wanted was to know that we have realized our mistake and we were pulled back into their arms right away, without a second thought. They have always loved us unconditionally and forgotten all our mistakes and they always will continue to do so. You know why? It’s because we are their children!

What if I had to tell you that there is someone more who would love you the same, unconditionally, no matter who you are or what you do?

John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

What more love than to give away ones own son. God did! He has always poured out so much love on us that He has left no room for condemnation. (“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus” - Roman 8:1)

But, my friends, this at no point means that we may continue doing all the wrongs we can and believe that we will never be condemned, never be punished. Where is there is a wrong act, there is correction. At the same time what is more important is to realize the mistake and turn away from it.

To Repent!

Repentance is not what I am talking of based on my own understanding; it is mentioned in the scriptures, at many places, by many people. John the Baptist preached of repentance in Matthew 3:2 and so did Jesus himself in Matthew 4:17, “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

So what is this ‘Repentance’ that we are talking about here?

Repentance, as defined, is the act of reviewing your own actions and feeling contrition or regret for past wrongs. In simpler words, it is feeling ‘SORRY’ for the wrong you have done. Not only feeling sorry, but turning away from the path of wrong doings. Repentance is coming closer to knowing what is right, what is just, what is true.

God has always considered us His children. In the same way as our parents accept and love us when we ask for forgiveness from them, so does God when we turn to Him for forgiveness.

There are many instances in the Bible which show that Jesus forgave everyone who asked for it. And He forgave not only those who verbally asked for forgiveness, but also those who trusted Him and showed acts of great love. For example, you could refer to Luke 7:36-50 (Jesus anointed by a Sinful Woman)

The second side of the coin holds forgiveness. When we repent, we are forgiven by our Heavenly Father right away. Shouldn't we also forgive others the same way we expect to be forgiven?

In our daily lives, there are many times when we do what is not correct; against earthly laws or heavenly. We may tend to hurt others by words, actions or deeds; knowingly, unknowingly. We may intentionally hurt each other several times. But Luke 17:3 tells us “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them.”

This Lent season that most us follow, we believe in the fact that we must fast, we must pray, we must give up certain things as sacrifice to the Lord so that He forgives us. But how much do we also ask for forgiveness and decide that we will change and not go back to the same ways once Easter is done?

Today as we have just entered this season of repentance and forgiveness, let us decide to not only ask for forgiveness of our sins from God above, but also make a decision to turn away from our wrong ways for a lifetime. Let us also make another decision to get rid of every baggage of hatred, hurtfulness, of every act that could hold one another down, and make efforts to bring peace in our own life and in the life of others.

Dear friends, this Lent season I would also like to encourage you to not only pray and repent during these 40 days, but make efforts on reviewing your acts daily, throughout the year, and returning to the feet of God, asking forgiveness and promising to turn away from the wrong. He will not only forgive you, but will also give you the grace that you need to walk in the paths of righteousness each time you turn to Him.

Stay blessed!

Author - Kiran Jagtap