Being Quick to Repent: A Key to our Pursuit of a Meaningful Life

“Of all acts of man, repentance is the most divine…"
- Thomas Carlyle

Repentance, in these days and season, must be calling out to most of us stronger than ever. The uncertainty of the current pandemic had us reflecting over our lives and how we’ve been living it. The threat of the COVID-19 has led many to confront the possibility of death - of ourselves, of our loved ones, and the people around us. Those who are mentally and spiritually strong are able to rise above while some of the weak were overcome by fear. Most have begun to put much importance to building up their sense of existence. Many charitable acts were initiated, some relationships were restored, many people have manifested better versions of themselves, advocacies and movements were birthed out, and many more. Of all these things, whether we have realized it or not, one common ingredient that triggered many to take action is the value of repentance - or the lack of it (to those who have deteriorated and gave in to the weakness of the human flesh). 

While repentance may have drastically changed or redirected the lives of some people, it is more important for us to look deeply into its attributes and to realize that this virtue is a lifestyle founded on the attitude of our hearts. Our goal? It is to recognize or acknowledge the value of repentance and develop the lifestyle and attitude that comes with it. Being repentant must not only be activated when things are uncertain but must be deeply rooted in our hearts and consciousness. Its fruits must be developed then it must come out naturally and consistently from us. As Thomas Carlyle said, “Of all acts of man, repentance is the most divine…,”which is true as it has the power to change everything in our lives. 

Now, how do we begin? Let us start by understanding true repentance - which begins with the KNOWLEDGE of sin which goes on to work SORROW for sin. It then leads to CONFESSION of sin before God then will show itself before a person by a thorough BREAKING OFF from sin. Finally, it results in producing a DEEP HATRED for all sin. Does it look easy? Of course not. That is why we have to look closely within us and develop a heart of flesh from a heart of stone. This is the foundation from which all the fruits of repentance are rooted on. A righteous lifestyle will then become inevitable. 

An influential man once said, “A man who repents after doing any action, he will certainly become pure one day, that is definite.” If we ever wish to become pure this is the secret - the key. In short, being quick to repent. How can we figure out the tenderness of our hearts? The level of our repentant attitude? It is when, even in the smallest or seamless sin, we are quick to recognize that it is wrong and we are quick to turn around and mend our ways. As long as we live this way, we will never be swayed nor be tossed to and fro by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. We will become strong pillars that are able to withstand every calamity.

As we have now realized the role of a repentant heart in our pursuit of a meaningful life, let us see further and know that the next step is to enlighten others not only ourselves. We have to keep producing fruit in keeping with repentance. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. One of the manifestations of having a tender heart is our compassion for others. Let us be the voice to speak hope and life to them. Having grown closer to God because of our repentant attitude, he will pour out His thoughts to us and make known to us His teachings, making us effective as His messengers here on the earth. We are now able to represent Him. For He does not take pleasure in the death of anyone, instead, He admonishes all men to repent so that all men might live! 

As one people, who are called by God, if we will humble ourselves and pray and seek His face and turn from our wicked ways, then He will hear from heaven, will forgive our sins and will heal our land. Let us do this together - not only for ourselves or our loved ones, but for the rest of mankind. We are a company of men and women with tender hearts and repentant attitude. In no time, healing and recovery will come. To heal as one is to work is one. Let us go out into the world and keep sharing God’s call for men to repent and to believe His good news of hope and life. (KMB, CRFV)

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