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Repentance Is from the Lord

The word “repentance” has gotten a bad reputation. It is not associated with good things. However, the bad reputation is false.

In the Bible, repentance is associated with kindness and gentleness.

“Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?” (Romans 2:4)

“And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” (2 Timothy 2:24-26)

Repenting is turning toward God because of His grace, love, kindness, gentleness, and truth toward us.

“In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.” (Acts 17:30)

The Liar, Satan, has distorted the meaning to make it look like repentance is an effort of our own, contrary to who we are and what we want.

Notice that God helps us by giving us repentance. We are not in this alone. God draws us to Himself.

“But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ would suffer. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” (Acts 3:18-19)

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