NO FORGIVENESS WITHOUT REPENTANCE
FORGIVENESS
«Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins” (Acts 5:31).
It is obvious that forgiveness and repentance go hand in hand: there is no forgiveness without repentance. What does it mean to repent? How do we know whether we are truly repentant? The Greek word translated as repentance is metanoia, which means «change of thought» or «change of mind or attitude,» and it implies a fundamental shift in perspective. Spiritually speaking, repentance entails leaving the «wrong path» and taking the «right path.» The prophet Isaiah describes a repentant person in the following words, ‘Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it’, whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left. You will also defile the covering of your images of silver, and the ornament of your molded images of gold. You will throw them away as an unclean thing; you will say to them, ‘Get away!’ » (Isa. 30:21, 22). In these verses, we can notice that the idols which were valued and worshipped in the first place were now to be despised in order for one to follow God’s path.
The problem is that some confuse repentance with remorse and are afraid of the consequences of their actions, but don’t change their attitude or actions. Nevertheless, today’s Bible text presents a powerful message of hope. It says that true repentance, just like forgiveness, are gifs given by God and have been provided for our salvation. Because Christ’s sacrifice is perfect, we can trust His power to grant us repentance and forgiveness. all we have to do is accept and praise Him for these great gifts.
Victoria was a rebellious young woman whose motto was «I always do whatever I want.» To achieve her goals, any end justified the means: lying, stealing, and cheating which pervaded her interpersonal relationships, business or studies.Then one day, she met Christ and the course of her life changed. She was repentant of her deceitful existence and was convinced that, in Christ, she could become a new person. She believed her former life was gone and God could give her a better life (2 Cor. 5:17).
You can also reconsider your life and ask yourself: «Which path am I on?» Jesus is waiting to clasp you by the hand; He is waiting to give you power to live a noble and virtuous life (Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2, ch. 48, p. 453). In Christ there is strength to live a better life! Do you want a new life? Accept repentance and change your course today!
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Taken from: Daily Devotions for Adults 2020
“A Cheerful Heart Is Good Medicine”
From: Julian Melgoza-Laura Fidanza
Colaboradores: Alejandra Zavala