What Does "Repentance" Mean?
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. ~ 2 Corinthians 3:18
This word "repentance" often carries the connotation that we turn away from our wickedness and choose to live righteously. We may even mistakenly think that this happens only once in our lives: at conversion. But these beliefs limit the power the gospel has to transform us in other positive, daily ways.
In fact, "repentance" is part of our growth process. Jesus explained that we have but two obligations: repent and believe, which includes changing our minds (and therefore our values and actions) and taking a step of faith (that He will give you the power to obey).
Repenting on a daily basis may look like choosing the best over the good. Or maybe choosing what is helpful over that which is not helpful. Or yes, it may mean discovering a sin in your life that needs to go, and being transformed more into the image of Christ.
Repentance requires the twin component of faith, because we are powerless to change on our own. Change is hard--even good change is hard! But change is very, very necessary for our growth, and without it we get stuck, stay the same, or become useless. Belief– faith in God to do what only He can do – gives us the power to change.
For Example
What in your life just isn't working? What is it that you would like to be different? Maybe repentance and faith is your answer!
One could say that repentance is taking a 180 degree turn to go in an opposite direction, and that can be true. However, it may also be a small adjustment you make as you establish better values.
Step By Step
I like to think of my life as a series of steps, as if my left foot is "repentance" and my right foot is "faith". Each day I'm confronted with choices between my flesh and my spirit. Growth happens when I choose the best option, not the most convenient option. In the process, I develop better habits (spiritual disciplines) that mature me and conform me more and more into the image of Christ.
It's Like Practice
You may know that I'm a private music instructor. Though I never use this word in a lesson, repentance is what I'm helping my students learn. We identify old, unhelpful habits (usually their own ideas of how to make things work) and find better, more productive habits that yield measurable, successful results. Each time we discover a more efficient way to accomplish their goals, and they believe and apply the principle, repentance is taking place.
It's Like Re-wiring
Neuroplasticity refers to our brain's ability to change. This science explores how we can intentionally allow old, unhelpful neurological pathways to fall out of use while we develop new, helpful patterns. Our minds can be consciously re-wired! You could easily call this repentance, though in this case, the Bible calls it renewing the mind.
Not a Bad Word
Here's what's exciting for trauma survivors: if you've experienced any form of brainwashing (gaslighting, betrayal, mind games, etc.), God has already installed a capacity for your healing! And believe it or not, it includes repentance (see what I did there? ;-). Repentance can throw off beliefs brought about by harm inflicted from others, and faith can help you walk in freedom and light!
This week, as you think about repentance in a (hopefully) new way, take opportunities to identify areas in which you would benefit from change. Ask God to point out potential areas of growth so you can walk in repentance and faith!
©2023 Julanne Knapp. First Published 2.7.23
Subscribe to free weekly articles in your inbox HERE; your information will never be shared. :-)
This word "repentance" often carries the connotation that we turn away from our wickedness and choose to live righteously. We may even mistakenly think that this happens only once in our lives: at conversion. But these beliefs limit the power the gospel has to transform us in other positive, daily ways.
In fact, "repentance" is part of our growth process. Jesus explained that we have but two obligations: repent and believe, which includes changing our minds (and therefore our values and actions) and taking a step of faith (that He will give you the power to obey).
Repenting on a daily basis may look like choosing the best over the good. Or maybe choosing what is helpful over that which is not helpful. Or yes, it may mean discovering a sin in your life that needs to go, and being transformed more into the image of Christ.
Repentance requires the twin component of faith, because we are powerless to change on our own. Change is hard--even good change is hard! But change is very, very necessary for our growth, and without it we get stuck, stay the same, or become useless. Belief– faith in God to do what only He can do – gives us the power to change.
For Example
What in your life just isn't working? What is it that you would like to be different? Maybe repentance and faith is your answer!
- you're not getting along well with someone at work, and you're part of the problem (no judgment!) – confess your part and ask forgiveness
- you're not getting along well with someone at work, and you're not part of the problem – establish some healthy boundaries
- you want to take the next right step, but you don't know what that is – admit to God that He has the answer; ask Him to show you the next step
- you're in an unhelpful relationship – evaluate whether God wants you to stay or leave
- your parenting techniques are not working – identify your overall goals and get counsel on how to work toward those with your child
- the enemy is constantly getting the better of you – resist him, and ask God for help
One could say that repentance is taking a 180 degree turn to go in an opposite direction, and that can be true. However, it may also be a small adjustment you make as you establish better values.
Step By Step
I like to think of my life as a series of steps, as if my left foot is "repentance" and my right foot is "faith". Each day I'm confronted with choices between my flesh and my spirit. Growth happens when I choose the best option, not the most convenient option. In the process, I develop better habits (spiritual disciplines) that mature me and conform me more and more into the image of Christ.
It's Like Practice
You may know that I'm a private music instructor. Though I never use this word in a lesson, repentance is what I'm helping my students learn. We identify old, unhelpful habits (usually their own ideas of how to make things work) and find better, more productive habits that yield measurable, successful results. Each time we discover a more efficient way to accomplish their goals, and they believe and apply the principle, repentance is taking place.
It's Like Re-wiring
Neuroplasticity refers to our brain's ability to change. This science explores how we can intentionally allow old, unhelpful neurological pathways to fall out of use while we develop new, helpful patterns. Our minds can be consciously re-wired! You could easily call this repentance, though in this case, the Bible calls it renewing the mind.
Not a Bad Word
Here's what's exciting for trauma survivors: if you've experienced any form of brainwashing (gaslighting, betrayal, mind games, etc.), God has already installed a capacity for your healing! And believe it or not, it includes repentance (see what I did there? ;-). Repentance can throw off beliefs brought about by harm inflicted from others, and faith can help you walk in freedom and light!
This week, as you think about repentance in a (hopefully) new way, take opportunities to identify areas in which you would benefit from change. Ask God to point out potential areas of growth so you can walk in repentance and faith!
©2023 Julanne Knapp. First Published 2.7.23
Subscribe to free weekly articles in your inbox HERE; your information will never be shared. :-)