Getting To: Repentance

Why must I repent?

Have I hurt someone?

I know I have really messed up. I have damaged a relationship, said things, broken a trust, and the list goes on.  I can’t hit a “delete” button this time or undo the wrong.  I have messed up and others are hurting as a result.

Have broken my marriage vows?

My actions were so very wrong and so very damaging.  I actually destroyed my marriage!  I lied when I took those vows and I have let down my spouse, my family, my God, and myself.

Have I hurt my reputation and myself

Maybe most people don’t even know about it but I know and God knows and I am so ashamed of myself.  This is not the “real me”.

Who do I need to repent to?

God

My spouse, my family, anyone I have hurt

I cannot go on with the guilt of this problem between us.  Even if there were other circumstances involved, I still am responsible for my own actions and I still did it and I damaged our relationship deeply.  I want and need those relationships.

Now what?

The burden of a life with guilt is way too much for me to bear.

Genuine sorrow for what I did

Stop; Change; Determine to never go back there again

I know change is hard but not changing is MUCH worse.  I WILL stop doing what caused this problem.  I WILL stay away from those circumstances (or people) which allowed me to get into this situation.  I WILL promise to never go down this miserable road again.  I WILL demonstrate to myself and friends and family I can change.

Sincerely request forgiveness from those I hurt

Accept the consequences

It might be nice to hope this all goes away like a bad dream but it won’t.  It will hang around me and those I have hurt.  I cannot “fix it” but once I repent and God forgives me I believe there may be some bright spot in the future.  Paul stated in Romans 8:28 (NKJV) “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” I don’t know when or how but I do trust God to allow it to happen on His terms.

Forgive myself

Well, I have done my best to get rid of the burden of guilt from actions.  Since I have asked God to take it away from me, what right do I have to try to hold on to it any longer?  I will choose to let it go and try my best to get on with rebuilding my life and restoring relationships.

What does real repentance look like?

Freedom from guilt

Acts 3:19 (NKJV) “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,”

Peace, at last

Phil 4:6 - 7 (NKJV) “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”

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