Step 3: Repent

It is not enough to say “I’m sorry” when you have wronged someone, especially if you know that you will commit the same offense tomorrow. God does not want us to spend our lives on Earth feeling guilty because we sin. He wants us to recognize the hold a sinful nature has on our lives and actively turn away from sin.

God wants us to REPENT from our sinful ways, literally, to turn away from living for the flesh and to turn toward living by the spirit.
Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. (Ezekiel 18:30)

God wants us to spend eternity with Him in Heaven. He wants us to be joyful. He wants us to live fruitful and fulfilling lives on Earth, with an even more rewarding eternal life in paradise.

By REPENTING from our sinful ways, we are acknowledging that we are sinners and that we have committed offenses against God. We are admitting that we have failed to meet God’s perfect standard. But more than this, we are also taking stock of our lives and understanding that these sins are harmful to us on an eternal scale, and we are making a personal commitment to focus our lives living by the spirit rather than living for the flesh.

But do not be discouraged. It is important to know that we cannot live perfectly in accordance to God’s standard of perfection. Our life on Earth is but a growth stage to prepare us for an eternal life. Because we are growing and maturing in Christ, we will fall short of the mark. How can we grow if we have nothing for which to strive?