Have You Truly Repented? Understanding Repentance and How God Forgives
What is repentance, and why does it matter? Learn about God’s character, the meaning of repentance, and how confession leads to forgiveness and salvation.
Jesse
5/8/20242 min read
Have You Truly Repented? Understanding Repentance and God’s Character
Matthew 4:17 says:
“From then on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the kingdom of heaven is near.’”
Repentance is one of the most important messages Jesus ever preached. But many still wonder — What is repentance? Why do we need it? And how do we truly repent?
🌿 What Is Repentance?
Repentance means turning away from sin and turning toward God.
It’s not just saying “sorry.” It’s a change of heart, mind, and direction.
But before we talk about repentance, we must understand who God is.
✨ The Character of God
The Bible paints a beautiful picture of God’s heart in Psalm 103:8:
1️⃣ God is merciful and tender toward those who don’t deserve it.
2️⃣ He is slow to anger — patient beyond measure.
3️⃣ He is full of kindness and love — a gracious Father.
4️⃣ He is long-suffering — enduring with compassion.
5️⃣ He does not scold endlessly.
6️⃣ He is not angry forever.
God has not punished us as our sins deserve. He is compassionate, loving, and forgiving.
💡 Why Did Jesus Come?
John 3:17 explains it clearly:
“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”
Jesus didn’t come to condemn or destroy.
He came to save.
When we truly understand this truth, something happens:
👉 We see God’s goodness.
👉 We see our sins.
👉 And we are led to repentance.
🔍 Recognizing Our Sin
If you’re unsure what to repent for, ask God:
“Jesus, show me my sins. Show me my heart. Show me where I need cleansing.”
The Bible tells us what’s hidden in the human heart.
Mark 7:21-23 lists 13 sins:
Evil thoughts
Adultery
Fornication
Murder
Theft
Covetousness
Wickedness
Deceit
Lasciviousness
Evil eye
Blasphemy
Pride
Foolishness
Galatians 5:17-21 expands on this, naming sins like:
Sexual immorality
Lustful pleasures
Idolatry & sorcery
Jealousy & anger
Selfish ambition & division
Envy, drunkenness, wild parties
The Bible warns:
“Anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.”
🙏 The Call to Repentance
When we see our sins, we should:
✅ Confess them to God.
✅ Ask His forgiveness.
✅ Turn away from them.
1 John 1:9 promises:
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
🌟 Final Reflection
Repentance is not shame — it’s freedom.
It’s a gift that leads us to salvation and opens the door to new life in Christ.
Take time to search your heart today. Lay your sins before Jesus. He will forgive, cleanse, and make you whole.
