If you are tired of the physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences of guilt, these five steps of action will help you develop an attitude of repentance.
1.
Identify areas of your life where you have failed to meet God’s
standards. The first step in repentance is an honest evaluation of every part of
your life. The Psalmist prayed, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and
know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me
in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24 NIV)
2.
Acknowledge your failure to God. To humble yourself
before God means to sincerely acknowledge your failure and your need for
forgiveness.
3.
Accept God’s forgiveness. 1 John 1:9 declares, “If we confess our sins,
[God] is faithful and righteous to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from
all unrighteousness.”
4.
Make restitution where necessary. If we have wronged
another person, it is necessary for us to seek that person’s forgiveness. And,
like Zacheus, monetary restitution might also be in order. Such an action is a
sign of genuine repentance.
5. Turn away from known sin in your life. It is possible to follow the first steps without truly repenting. The word repent carries the idea of turning around… turning from sin to God
You may have been traveling down the road of unresolved guilt for a long time. Don’t be discouraged. There is a way out. Decide you are tired of going in that direction; ask for God’s forgiveness, make any necessary restitution, and turn around.
-- Adapted from “Choose
Your Attitude, Change Your Life” (1992) by Robert Jeffress
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