I first noticed this pattern while serving as a missionary in Zambia. When we were not travelling and speaking in various districts, we attended a local assembly in our town. I often preached and usually participated when the elders were praying for others. It did not take me long to notice that many of the same people came for prayer week after week, asking for forgiveness of sin. Over the years, when revisiting other churches across the nation, I realized this pattern was not isolated to our local church. Since then, I have observed that it was not just a characteristic of Zambian Christians. As a pastor here in America, I would repeatedly pray for the same individuals, almost every Sunday.
The growing question in my mind was, “why?” Did last week’s request for forgiveness not do any good? Why are you here again, repenting of the same sin? I cannot give one absolute answer, but the meanings of the two New Testament words translated ‘repent’, bring some insight. The King James Bible says, Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders (Mat 27:3). Later versions translate repent closer to its core meaning. This particular word means to regret, to feel remorse, to care afterwards, or to repent. It is associated with feelings or emotions. When Jesus preached, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Mat 4:17), He uses a totally different word. This word found 34 times, means to change one’s mind or purpose, to think differently, to turn, or to repent. It is associated with a mental change. Paul wrote that he kept declaring . . . to the Gentiles that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance (Act 26:20). This verse brings even more clarity to the comprehensive meaning of biblical repentance. It is to change one’s mind and turn to God, away from sin. Judas only felt remorse without any change of mind or purpose. Judas had a feeling of sorrow.
I have heard some Christians say that if someone did not weep and mourn at the altar that they did not really repent. Yet, I have observed some people have extreme emotional sorrow, but the next day they were still living the same as the day prior their so called ‘repentance.’ On the other hand, I have prayed with people who quietly asked God to forgive their sin with little emotions and begin living a life wholly dedicated to God. So what is the difference? The former had a moment of emotional sorrow or remorse like Judas, but nothing changed in their mind. They did not turn away from their sin and turn toward obedience to God. In contrast, those who repent, as Jesus preached, change their mind toward sin. They turn from a life of sin and make every effort to serve the LORD. They may or may not have demonstrated emotions.
Those who merely have repeated emotional sorrow without any mental change toward sin have not repented. Repentance as Jesus taught will bring forth fruit; the person will perform deeds appropriate to repentance. Here is another example of how deceptive feelings can be. There is nothing wrong with feeling remorseful; however, it must include a change of mind toward sin. True repentance will bring a change in our lifestyle. We will not continue repeating the same sin.
Any parent has probably heard over and over, “Mom, Dad, I’m sorry.” After several weeks hearing this, concerning the same issues and seeing no change, when one of my children would say, “I’m sorry”, I would respond, “So what! What does that mean?” I wonder if God would sometime like to shout from Heaven to the emotional prayer of sorrow, not accompanied with any change, “So what! Did I not forgive you of that same sin last week?” Thankfully, God does forgive, no matter how many times we ask. Yet, God wants us to go beyond just sorrowful feelings and have a change of mind, turn from sin, and turn to Him.
Sustaining Word for the Week:
Maybe you find yourself repeatedly weeping before God for the same sin or know someone who does. Emotional sorrow is not enough. One must change their mind, turn away from sin, and turn to God. He is ready to help.