Repentance

July 28, 2008

By Dorothy Rugg

“In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.’ This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: ‘A voice of one calling in the desert, “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him’ ” (Matthew 3:1-3, NIV).

“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (Matthew 3:8).

To repent is to do a turnaround, to change one’s ways, to turn from evil and turn to Christ. When we decide to turn from sin and turn to Christ it means we not only accept Christ as our Savior from the penalty of sin, but also that we make Him Lord of our lives.

When we repent, we need to change! With genuine repentance comes the fruit of righteousness. If we say we have repented and have accepted Christ into our lives but then still live in sin and never change, we are only kidding ourselves. Each one of us must bear fruit that others can see.

Our lives need to be examples of God’s love! That is why it is so important to allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, because He will teach us and remind us of the things of Christ. When we allow the Holy Spirit access in to our hearts, read God’s Word, allow the Word to penetrate our hearts and then live out the Word, we will have more love, more holiness, more gentleness, more patience, more kindness, and all the other attributes of Christ.

Why not pray this prayer today: “Father God, today I come to You and I humble myself and ask that You forgive me for anything I have done that does not reflect who Jesus Christ is in my life. Father, help me to choose You in my everyday living. Help me to grow in my relationship with You. Help me to live for You 24/7 as an expression of Your love that others will see Christ in me.”

— James and Dorothy Rugg pastor Mill City AG in Dalton, Pa.