Good morning. Today is Friday, July 31st!

🥳 Congratulations on starting today with God, and thank you for letting us be a part of it.

— Acts 2:38

Repentance is one of those words Christians hear all the time, but if someone asked you to explain it, where would you start?

For a lot of people, repentance just means feeling guilty after you sin. But that’s only part of the picture.

The New Testament word translated as repentance is the Greek word metanoia. It literally means “a change of mind.” In the Bible, though, it’s more than changing your mind about an idea. It’s changing your mind about your sin, about God, and because of that, changing the direction of your life. You’re no longer walking away from God. You’re turning back toward Him.

That raises another question. Why does God call us to repent in the first place?

The answer goes all the way back to Genesis.

When Adam and Eve sinned, they hid from God. Their relationship with Him was broken. Sin had created separation. You see that same pattern throughout the Bible. Cain was driven away after murdering his brother. Israel repeatedly wandered from God. Sin has always pulled people away from the One who gives life.

That’s why repentance is so important. It isn’t just about admitting we did something wrong. It’s about turning back to the God we wandered from.

Jesus made repentance one of the very first things He preached:

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 4:17, NIV)

After Jesus’ resurrection, Peter stood before thousands of people and said, “Repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of your sins.” (Acts 2:38, NIV)

Later, Paul preached that God “commands all people everywhere to repent.” (Acts 17:30, NIV)

Repentance wasn’t a side topic. It was central to the message of Jesus and the early church.

Paul also gives us a helpful distinction:

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” (2 Corinthians 7:10, NIV)

There’s a difference between being sorry because you got caught and being sorry because you’ve sinned against God. One focuses on the consequences. The other focuses on the relationship.

Peter is a great example. After denying Jesus three times, he was heartbroken. But he didn’t run from Jesus forever. He came back, and Jesus restored him.

That’s what repentance is. It isn’t trying to earn God’s forgiveness. Jesus already accomplished that on the cross. Repentance is simply agreeing with God about our sin, turning from it, and trusting the Savior who is ready to forgive.

If you’ve been carrying guilt, don’t confuse God’s invitation with His rejection. Repentance has never been about pushing people away. It’s always been God’s way of calling them back.

When you’re not sure how to pray, A.C.T.S. gives you a simple path to follow: Adore, Confess, Thank, and Ask.

Adoration: Father, thank You for Your mercy and for always welcoming me back.

Confession: Lord, forgive me for my sins. Help me to turn away from them and back to You.

Thanksgiving: Thank You for Jesus and for the forgiveness I have because of His sacrifice.

Supplication: Give me a heart that is quick to repent and help me follow You more each day.

In Jesus’ name, Amen

“Always Been Jesus” by Alexander Pappas

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See you tomorrow,

Zach | Start With God