When I was at the lowest point in my life, while I was full of deceit and bitterness, God showed me his love. He took me in, even though I was a total mess on the inside.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
I didn’t come to Christ because someone told me I was a sinner and that I had to repent, but because of God’s love. Because of his goodness and kindness, I opened up my heart to the Gospel. ⠀
Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:4⠀
As soon as we start spending more time in God’s presence, we experience more of his love, but he also makes us aware of our sins. He doesn’t show us our transgressions because he’s mad at us, but because he wants us to let go of it and experience the freedom Christ died for us to have.
After giving my life to Christ, one of the first things God brought to my attention was my problem with gossiping.
Jesus said that everyone who sins is a slave to sin (John 8:34). But he promised that the truth will set us free (John 8:32).
Up to that point, I didn’t even know how many poisonous words I spoke on a daily basis. One day, I decided to stop speaking badly about other people behind their backs.
And you know what happened? I stopped talking altogether. Through this experiment, I realized that all I ever spoke about was other people and what they were doing or not doing. I didn’t have anything worthwhile to say!! This was such a big revelation to me.
From the Bible, I learned that life and death are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). I read that a person who can control their tongue can keep their whole body in check (James 3:2-6). The Bible also says, that when we talk evil, it will backfire on us (Proverbs 13:3, Proverbs 12:13). But the words of someone who is wise would bring healing (Proverbs 12:18).
After knowing the truth, as it is presented in the verses I mentioned above, I knew that I had to change. It all started when I repented of my sin.
Let’s look at how the Lexham Bible Dictionary defines repentance:
“A change of attitude and action from sin toward obedience to God.”
True repentance is more than just apologizing. It is a change of mind and heart that results in turning away from our sin and looking towards God by receiving his forgiveness through the blood of Jesus Christ.
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5
I brought my sin before God and asked him to forgive me.
Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Proverbs 28:13
I prayed that he may change my heart and help me overcome gossiping once and for all. From there on, the Holy Spirit lead me through a process of truly dying to the sin of gossiping.
Today, I can’t stand it when someone speaks badly about another person. It feels like I’m allergic to it. This change on my inside can only be done by the Holy Spirit and the power of the cross.
The biggest breakthroughs in my life happened after repentance. The moments I let go of my flesh and my old ways of life, God shifted things.
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;to be made new in the attitude of your minds;and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24
We can’t be Christian and stay the same. The Gospel provokes change. God’s Word brings light to every hidden deed and every sin in our hearts:
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
There’s no other way to get real peace, deep fulfillment, and lasting change than to turn away from our sin by letting go of your idols and start pleasing God in all your ways.
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5 replies on “God’s love leads us to repentance”
Amen, amen!
His love 100% leads us to true repentance.
This has been the ultimate fruit of my spiritual journey with God— I sought Him, but never found Him until I finally relinquished my will for His. I got to know Him and His attributes, decided to surrender and trust Him once and for all, and formed a deeper, reciprocal relationship (in which I also chose Him, as He had already chosen me). Only then did I truly fall in love. How can you not?!
The moment I fell in love with God, I wanted nothing more than to obey Him— and it led me to the truest repentance I have ever known before because I saw even my slightest of sins as an offense to Him.
My struggle now is relating this to my family. I’m praying for their conversion. I want them to know and feel this radical freedom that Christ provides. I want them to grow in deeper reliance and relationship with God. I know I’m being impatient, and I want to rip the veil from their eyes and I fear for their salvation.
I have chosen to pray for them, but it still hurts because I’m so convicted and they see me as judgmental.
Thank you for this post!
Hi Stephanie, I love the experiences you’ve made with repentance. What you’re describing is so true: “The moment I fell in love with God, I wanted nothing more than to obey Him…” I couldn’t agree more!
I know exactly what you mean when you talk about praying for your family and that they experience the radical freedom that Christ provides. I join you in prayers for your family 🥰
AMEN! God’s had to convict me of my negative speech as well. Once I stopped speaking negatively all the time, it was amazing how much more joyful and peaceful I felt, and how quickly my thoughts went toward gratitude instead of complaining. Thank you for sharing this truth and for all the Scriptures you shared as well!
Oh wow, Abi. It’s amazing that you gave up negative speech. And it was the same for me: I felt more joy and peace as well. God is so good. 🥰
Great article, thank you!