Repentance.
Some see it as a dirty word. Maybe a sign of weakness.
But repentance is a non-negotiable for every person who wants to begin an ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ.
And forgiveness.
Forgiveness is key to every person that wants to live in freedom.
Forgiveness has been a word in and on my mind for some time.
I believe that now is the time that God wants me, and wants all believers, to assess our hearts and seek out if there is anything God needs to address and we need to deal with.
To invite Holy Spirit to highlight those things which are going to cause us harm and distance us from God.
To deal with sin in our lives.
Repenting such as King David did in Psalm 51.
Forgiving others such as Jesus did in Luke 23.
David sinned, then he sinned, then he sinned again (see 2 Samuel 11). He really stuffed up in a most selfish way.
But Jesus, as you might know, never sinned. Ever.
But still, He led by example and forgave those who crucified Him. They did not deserve forgiveness, but still Christ chose to forgive.
Seeking forgiveness from God (Repentance).
Gifting forgiveness to others.
As we humble ourselves and repent, and as we are obedient and forgive, something powerful happens.
Prayer happens.
Conversation happens.
Conversation between the Maker of heaven and earth and us.
Repentance with humility leads to deeper intimacy with Jesus Christ.
Forgiveness means that we talk with Jesus. We plead with Jesus. We speak faith-filled words.
This leads to us coming closer to Jesus.
Intimacy with the Prince of peace results.
Another thing happens.
And this is a real key for moving closer to God!
As repentance and forgiveness flows, it means that we are willing to pray into any circumstance that Jesus brings to our attention.
Fear debilitates.
Fear about people finding out about our secret sin. Fear about our past. Fear about the skeletons in our closet. Fear about being disliked by others.
These things can and will be used by the evil one (Satan) to stifle or even kill our willingness to pray into those things which are viewed by many as the untouchable prayers.
Things like: abortion, LGBTQ+, pornography, euthanasia, prostitution, child slavery, paedophilia. The list goes on.
But when one embraces the freedom which comes through repentance and forgiveness, boldness follows.
Boldness to do those impossible things which God asks of every believer.
No longer does fear have a grip on us.
No longer are we worried about what might happen.
Rather, we get excited about what might happen because Jesus is our Guide and we are filled with hope and faith because we are now on His mission.
So if I may be so bold…
Pray.
Pray.
Pray.
Ask God to show you the things that you need to repent of.
And then repent.
With humility.
Be willing to begin the journey of forgiveness of others with Holy Spirit helping you with each step you take towards wholeness in Christ.
I can guarantee you, your relationship with Jesus Christ will blossom.
You will hear His voice in an ever-clearer way.
The Scriptures will jump out at you as you read and/or listen to the Bible.
You will love people like never before because the Creator of all is closer than He has ever been before.
You will also encourage others in their pursuit of life in Jesus because the light of Jesus will shine ever brighter through you.
Repent.
Forgive.
Freedom follows.
Action follows.
Love results.
Hope results.
Purpose results.
God be with you.
Ben
