Repenting

Matthew 4:17

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁷ From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

Jesus started off his ministry by calling for repentance. This got me thinking about what repentance really is. Growing up, I thought it was just saying sorry for wrong doing.... as I grew as a christian, I realized it is not only about saying sorry for doing wrong but also turning away from said wrong doing.... that is true repentance.

Out of curiosity I googled the definition of repentance, here are the top 5 results;

1. remorse for your past conduct.
2. To feel remorse, contrition, or self-reproach for what one has done or failed to do; be contrite.To feel such regret for past conduct as to change one's mind regarding it: repented of intemperate behavior.To make a change for the better as a result of remorse or contrition for one's sins.To feel regret or self-reproach for: repent one's sins. To cause to feel remorse or regret.
3. Repentance is the activity of reviewing one's actions and feeling contrition or regret for past wrongs. It generally involves a commitment to personal change and resolving to live a more responsible and humane life.
4. deep sorrow, compunction, or contrition for a past sin, wrongdoing, or the like.regret for any past action.
5. Repentance means a sincere turning away, in both the mind and heart, from self to God. 

This got me thinking and helped me realize that there really is a lot more to it than just saying sorry and turning away. It is more about the heart and how you truly feel about it. It is about understanding why you should not have done it and never wanting to do it again. 

Now that is food for thought for me....

Lord, Teach me true repentance.