Repent
Now Step 4 in our Examen to end the year is repent.
Yesterday we reviewed our year and saw where we need to grow. But perhaps let's get a little more honest today and, as we look back, repent of the things that we shouldn't have done.
Call to Repent
One of Jesus’ primary messages in His teaching was to repent—turn from your wicked ways and live in a godly way. This was the cry of the Old Testament prophets as well. Repent. That word fills the Old Testament because God wanted His people to live lives of holiness to His glory.
In Acts 3:19, we read that we need to repent and turn to God so that our sins may be wiped out.
Friends, as you look back on your year, be honest. If there are attitudes, mindsets, or actions that you need to repent of, take a bit of time in prayer today to repent. And remember that word means to turn away from those things—not just confess them, but to say, "I'm done with this behaviour. I'm done with this way of living."
Grace and Freedom
Here's the good news, friends. It comes from Romans 5:20, which says, "Where sin increased, grace increased all the more."
You see, when you come to God in repentance, you know what you find? You find grace! And it's grace that works in two great ways: it’s justifying grace, which forgives you and wipes away your guilt, and it's sanctifying grace, which empowers you and enables you to live a holy and good life.
Friends, as you repent today, don't do it without asking God for His grace, because He's willing. He's so willing to give you His forgiving grace and His empowering grace as you come in repentance.
May you do that today in faith and find great freedom as you do.
