Repentance Sustains A Second Chance!

January 16

Repentance Sustains A Second Chance!

I am not sure most people are very clear about the meaning of “repentance.”  Although many of us practice repentance, we are not sure where (and maybe why!) it fits in our journey towards a second chance in life.

For many, confession and repentance are often treated as the same thing.  For others, forgiveness and repentance are considered the same.  Without using a lot of theological language or spiritual jargon, here is how I see the differences.

Confession = I describe what went wrong and I take responsibility for my part.

Forgiveness = I say I am sorry for the wrong I have done and I am willing to be held accountable.

Repentance = I change my behavior in a way that will right the wrong and I take a step towards a changed life.

Many people experience a wrong.  However, rather than describe and reflect upon what went wrong, they quickly skip to asking for or offering forgiveness.  They say they are sorry before they are absolutely clear about what went wrong or what their responsibility was in what did go wrong. 

When we move to forgiveness too quickly, we often fail to do the work of confession.  That misstep makes the work of repentance more difficult as we are not always clear about what behavior(s) we need to change.

Other people will do a good job in confessing what went wrong and even asking for forgiveness.  However, they fail to seek accountability for changing the behavior that led to what went wrong in the first place.  When we fail to do the work of repentance, we often are incapable of sustaining the second chance that God has given to us. 

Repentance sustains a second chance!

Repentance is important in sustaining the second chance that has been granted to us.  In Matthew 3:8 Jesus says; “Therefore, bear fruit worthy of repentance…”  Jesus tells us that our repentance will bear fruit.  In other words, our repentance is about a changed behavior that leads to a changed life.

Repentance is about changing direction; i.e., I went that way, now I am going this way!

Repentance is about taking action; i.e., I was doing (or not doing!) this, now I am going to do this!

Repentance is about living into our second chance; i.e., I was wrong there, now I am going to live in a way that takes confession and forgiveness and grace seriously!

Repentance sustains a second chance!

Repentance is where a changed life becomes possible.  Shame, regret, and guilt no longer paralyze me.  Disappointment, remorse, and sadness no longer hold me captive.  Embarrassment, humiliation, and helplessness no longer hold me back.

Repentance sustains a second chance!

In II Corinthians 7:10 Paul writes; “For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation and brings no regret, but worldly grief produces death.”  Repentance removes the regret as well as the excuses when I fall short of my dream or God’s desires for my life.

In Acts 11:18 Luke writes; “When they heard this, they were silenced.  And they praised God, saying, ‘Then God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life.’”  Repentance removes the shame and guilt so I can live an abundant life filled with peace and joy and love.

Finally, in Romans 2:4 Paul writes; “Or do you despise the riches of his (God’s) kindness and forbearance and patience?  Do you not realize that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?”  It is God’s kindness and patience, God’s love and mercy, God’s grace for you and hope in you that makes repentance lead to new life and real salvation.

We are in the second week of January. 

+Already in this new year, you and I have fallen short in an area we committed to making a high priority.  +Already in this new year, you and I have intentionally or unintentionally done wrong to our self, to another person, or to the Lord God. 

+Already in this new year, there have been a few moments in which our dream seems less possible and our commitment to our dream seems less strong.

Repentance sustains a second chance!

Take some time today to ask yourself if you are experiencing the kind of repentance (i.e., change in direction or change in behavior!) that is leading you to life, especially the life Jesus has always dreamed for you. 

Spend some time reflecting and praying.  Take a moment to focus your day on doing the work of repentance by engaging in the things that God can use to give you a second chance.

When we engage in confession and forgiveness and real repentance, a second chance becomes God’s promise to you and me.  When we embrace repentance, we see changes begin to happen in us and in the world around us. 

When that second chance comes and we begin to see real change, our hearts will fill with delight.

Take Delight In The Lord!

Doug