Repentance involves the mental acceptance that we have sinned and that our sins have not only affected others but have also hurt and wounded God. This should produce within us a deep, heartfelt sorrow over what we have done, so that it literally breaks our hearts when we think about it.

But it cannot stop there. This must be followed by a definite course of action in which we turn away from our sin and directly toward the Lord God, who forgives our sin and cleanses us from all our iniquities (1 John 1:9).

Repentance is nothing short of God’s gracious gift of goodness. Paul said that those who judge others are, in truth, judging themselves and hardening their hearts by not allowing God’s sanctifying work to take place within them. He says that it is the goodness of God that leads to repentance (Romans 2:4).

Repentance is vital to a believer’s walk and relationship with God. None of us should hesitate when convicted by the Holy Spirit to repent. Jesus said that when the Holy Spirit comes, He will convict the world (you and me) of sin, righteousness, and the judgment to come (John 16:8).

God desires His people to repent and turn to Him.

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

Repentance is all about preparing the way for Jesus to come into our hearts. Jesus is also longsuffering, not wanting anyone to miss out on His blessing of heaven.

A student asked a rabbi, “Rabbi, when should a man repent?” The rabbi replied, “You need to make sure you repent on the last day of your life.”

The student then asked how anyone could ever know, given that no one is sure when their last day will be, and the rabbi replied, “The answer is simple. Repent now!”

Repent and believe. Don’t wait until tomorrow; do it today.