Some churches have made repentance to be this deep spiritual or spooky thing we must do in order to be loved by God. Repentance is simply recognizing what we’re doing is wrong and turning from those actions.

The most crucial form of repentance we ALL should do is turn from death towards life by accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior. But that’s not the only form of repentance. If we’re living in unforgiveness, we must turn from unforgiveness towards forgiveness and forgive whoever has hurt us. If we’ve been verbally abusing our spouse, we must repent or turn from being abusive towards lifting our spouse up with encouraging words.

Repentance is a journey. Repentance can take place 10 years after we’ve received salvation. When the Holy Spirit reveals something we’ve been doing wrong, simply recognize our error, turn from that behavior and move on. Repentance is not beating ourselves up or making ourselves feel bad. It’s turning from our faults towards the ways of God.

If God is showing or has shown you something that requires repentance, repent and praise God for His forgiveness.

For the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn His face from you if you return to Him. -2 Chronicles 30:9b