We all want to be more like Jesus. Therefore, we make resolutions asking Him to help us, and try to behave differently. Yet despite our best efforts to do things God’s way, we slide back into old habits. Frustrated, we may ask Him, “Why can’t I change?”. The reason is, overcoming sinful attitudes and behaviours starts with genuine repentance, which has at least three steps.
3 Steps of Genuine Repentance
- Conviction. The Holy Spirit will reveal the areas in which we’ve sinned and convict us of wrongdoing. Through Scripture, the Spirit shows us God’s standard and what needs to change. Repentance begins with understanding where we have gone astray.
- Confession & Contrition. Contrition is grieving over our sinful habits is followed by confession to the Lord. Genuine sorrow arises from the knowledge that we’ve sinned against Him. In contrast, human unhappiness often comes from being caught misbehaving. Other times we are miserable because of where our choices led us, or feel shame that people know about our sin. True contrition is followed by humble confession.
- Commitment to action. Real repentance is complete when we wholeheartedly pledge to turn from our old behaviour and move toward righteous ways. God knows we won’t live perfectly, but He wants a surrendered heart that diligently seeks to obey Him.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank you for your forgiveness. Thank you for not abandoning us for our mistakes, but for reaching out instead. Father, help convict me of sin and help me accept your mercy without shame. Thank you for the love you have poured out for me and all of your children. Help me live out of that love today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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