Amendment of Repentance
Repentance is a term often used in the Christian faith.
When I hear the word repent, I usually think of the dude on the street corner handing out pamphlets as he screams at people, warning them to turn from their wicked ways or else they will be in big, burning trouble.
I usually cross the street when I see that dude.
Rather than bringing me closer to redemption, screaming at me like a worthless sinner to "repent or else" actually pushes me away from the whole concept of repentance.
But then I noticed something different when looking at the word repent.
Repentance isn't just turning away from sin; it's about moving forward and dedicating yourself to the amendment of your life.
I like that - dedicating yourself to amending (correcting) your life.
When we repent and acknowledge that we have made a mistake, failed, or are hurting ourselves or others, we bring light into the darkness and see what needs to be addressed and corrected.
With this truth and awareness, we can see our sin for what it is and turn from it. We can be honest about it and seek forgiveness from ourselves or others.
Without this repentance and forgiveness, we are stuck. We keep sitting with or moving closer to the things causing the hurt and pain. We ignore, deny, and rationalize these hurts, habits, mistakes, and failures and get stuck in our repetitive patterns.
But repentance offers us a way out.
Repentance can help us turn away from what is no longer serving us and redirect us toward God and a new way of life.
God is showing us a way out. He loves us so much and has such amazing plans for our lives. He has a glorious future ahead and he knows the way to get there.
A new amended path. Away from all of that nonsense.
With His help, we change course and dedicate ourselves to moving forward on a new path of freedom.
Let's go that way and see all the wonderful things God has for us!
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord , “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Acts 3:19
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
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 I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.