The dictionary defines repentance as the action or process of repenting especially for misdeeds or moral shortcomings. Repentance is something most people on Earth struggle including Christians. Why is repenting or asking for forgiveness so hard? It is so hard because it means that one has to humble themselves and say that one did something wrong and ask to be forgiven. The key to living a life of freedom in Christ is to understand when we need to repent for our sins and ask God for forgiveness!

Acts 3:19 says “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Paul here says that we need to repent so that we can turn to God and have him wipe out but also refresh our lives. This means that unrepented sin has dire consequences in our life. It causes us to turn away from God and be trapped in our sins until we ask for forgiveness. 1 John 1:8-10 says “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.” From this verse, it is clear that if we sin and do ask for repentance for our sins then we make God out to be a liar and the word of God is not in us. Repentance of sins is an essential step in being a true Christian and having a relationship with Jesus Christ.

The problem with not repenting for our sins is that it affects us personally. Proverbs 28:13 says  “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper” This means that sin takes hold in our lives and we cannot live the life that God wants us to live anymore. On the contrary, if you repent for your sins then God will forgive us of your sins and purify us just like it says in 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Repentance is the key to living a life of freedom as a Christian.

Lack of repentance has implications not just in your personal life but also for those around you. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” When people repent together as Christians then not only are their own sins forgiven but also the place where they live is blessed, and their city and their country get blessed. That is why repentance is important because it doesn’t just heal only your own broken relationship with your God but also heals your land and where you live when Christians repent of their sins to God regularly. So make it a point to repent whenever you can and come to God in prayer and repentance every chance you get and do it sincerely cause you know that God sees the heart and knows when you are truly repentant.