So often repentance is associated with a big display of emotion, maybe quite an extra dose of self-focus and possibly sadness. But repentance is a joyful thing that leads us into His Presence. The bible says that it is the goodness of God that brings us to repentance. The act of repentance occurs when we something of God’s goodness that attracts us, turning us His direction.

With this comes joy in knowing you are now following God’s heart. With this understood God is calling many to a place of repentance for attitudes, judgements and a critical spirit. God does not want us to take on a “know it all” spirit, after all He is the ONLY ONE Who really knows it all. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.

God does not want us to show some big display of repentance, like others might seem is right. But rather He is looking for a change of heart. He is looking for love in the heart that is formed through following Him, trusting Him and leaning upon His Spirit for our lives. In this way we become like Jesus. Obviously there is a sincerity that comes with repentance. When we look at the prodigal son he was sincere to his father. However, because of that sincerity the father was directing his son into a life of fullness of joy. Just as we have fullness of joy in His Presence, life forevermore! I like to say, “Don’t be sad, be glad!” Be sincere, but let your sincerity lead you into a joyful life with God. True repentance bears the fruit of the Kingdom of God – righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
If you need to repent today then be sincere about, then be glad about it as you continue to follow God with all of your heart.