Usually the only times you hear the word “repent” are in judgment or sarcasm. The word makes you think either of angry, sweaty, polyester-suited preachers, or of the reality-challenged guy with the sandwich board sign. The word has come to be understood in our culture as “be exactly like me or else”.
The word is actually so wonderful. In the New Testament it is “metanoia.” It isn’t a condemnation word, it’s a transformation word, like “metamorphosis.” It’s an invitation to stop the destructive ways you’ve been thinking, turn, and have a mindset like Jesus. It’s changing the way you live as an overflow of who you are in Him, not as a reaction to shaming manipulation.
“The goodness of God leads you to repentance” (Romans 2:4).
Not the anger, wrath, or threat of God, but the goodness of God. A life–threatening experience, a crushing failure, or a revelation of the raw, awesome power of God may shake you to stop and reexamine your life. I’ve had them too. But change that isn’t a response to God’s goodness doesn’t often last, and when it does, needs to be fueled by judgment, bitterness, and anger to survive. “Goodness” is “chrestos,” which means to supply whatever goodness, kindness, or gentleness is needed. God is so ready to give you all the love and grace it will take to transform you into the incredible person He’s created you to be.
Repent right now. Ask God to show you how He wants to transform how you see your relationships, circumstances, past wounds, present pain, the world, and your own identity. He will give you all the goodness and kindness you need to become the healed, whole, free, and brilliant person He sees when He looks at you.
Equip Your Spirit 