There are some things the church does fantastically – we gather community, read scripture together, organize enthusiastic gatherings, we give voice to encouraging speakers, raise money for those in need, and much more … if you’re a person who has the privilege of speaking biblical life into another or give trusted space for someone to speak into yours, then you’re in a good spiritual spot. Paul petitions us to let our words be seasoned with salt – because salt is a preservative. The salt I’m writing about isn’t meant to taste bitter rather it’s meant to promote and preserve relationships.
Let’s talk about Repentance.
A few years ago, I wrote a piece about our responsibility toward God’s promises – promises partner us with God. And when He gives us a promise it’s up to us to uphold our end of the agreement. Those bible promises, apart from relationship and obedience to Jesus, have no meaning. Yet, when those promises are attached to a submitted heart – they link us to our greatest Source for overcoming this life and all it’s hardships.
May we talk about the relationship between forgiveness and repentance? Jesus made possible this powerful connection, where there is repentance there is forgiveness. When we turn away, depart from, and change our sinful behaviors – we are welcomed into relationship with Jesus. Jesus came to give us forgiveness of sin, a penalty we couldn’t possibly pay for … but there is an agreement that comes with the forgiveness, there needs to be repentance.
For those who have needed to forgive another, you’ve probably been taught to turn the cheek (Matthew 5:39) or the seventy-seven-times rule (Matthew 18:22) – you’ve probably been instructed to keep forgiving, keep your heart free from anger or resentment … we’re instructed biblically to forgive those who sin against us … but we’re not biblically instructed to keep a relationship with those who have not demonstrated repentance (a change of behavior and actions).
Is there relationship with Jesus apart from repentance? … no
We are to forgive one another (Colossians 3:13). This is a biblical principle that allows the burden of our judgments to be rendered to Jesus, and it’s usually the first “next step” when it comes to healing … has repentance been given the same instruction and discussion? For example, if an individual is in a situation where they have to continuously forgive themselves or another, then it’s time to evaluate what we’re teaching, allowing or enabling.
Church, did you know the Merriam-Webster dictionary revealed the most popular word searched for online in 2022 was Gaslighting? This is a sin that is manipulative, controlling and emotionally destructive. In my research there are many therapists and councilors who dive into this subject, yet hardly an article nor a sermon from a biblical view point on how this behavior is affecting families, spouses and children. It seems as though Tik Tok has become the voice of insight to our younger generation with 32.5% of the app’s users are between the ages of 10 and 19. Torres-Mackie, from Healthline Mental Health, also reminds us that being on social media itself can be damaging to mental health. “If you are opening social media apps to get mental health information, there’s a high likelihood you will drift to other content that is not supportive of mental wellbeing.”
Is Tik Tok instructing the pivoting points of repentance or forgiveness?
And here’s another word: Pornography – 68% of church-going men and over 50% of pastors view porn on a regular basis. Of young Christian adults 18-24 years old, 76% actively search for porn. The statistics of sexual sin is staggering – Is there forgiveness for this, yes – are we giving as much attention to instructing the death of our flesh as well as the consequences that come with sexual sin? … when was the last time you heard a sermon addressing the repentance of sexual sin, lust and perversion to heterosexuals? My guess is that this topic isn’t as common in your news feed.
Obviously, it’s difficult for the church to cover all sins, and repentance is a heart posture convicted by Holy Spirit’s leading – the church is responsible for teaching sound doctrine, hard truths, and promoting salty conversations. Shouldn’t we be discussing what is affecting us the most? Sin? And not just from a view point of “theirs” but also “ours.” The church is also responsible for what they’ve gathered in the name of Jesus, community of like-minded believers who are seeking something bigger than themselves … Jesus and His forgiveness with repentance. Are we demonstrating well the agreement of repentance and forgiveness we have with Jesus?
(Luke 3:3, Luke 24:47, Acts 2:38)
Apart from the institutional church, are you speaking hard truths to your friends, to those who trust you to speak into their lives? Are you demonstrating to them repentance from your sin, apologizing and taking responsibility for the offence it gave with a change of behavior? I ask myself this as I type …
Personally, the greatest friendships I have are the ones who know how to apologize … how to accept responsibility for their actions and move forward with awareness and changed behavior. One’s act of repentance allows another to trust the examination of their own heart. Why? Because there is no fear in love … repentance and forgiveness are loving demonstrations toward each other and to Jesus.
Forgiveness is the salve to a wound, the wound caused by sin. Repentance is the choice to not let sin continue to cause wounding. Either with your own sin or the sin of another.
Church, are we acknowledging and teaching this agreement Jesus instructs? Repentance upholds our promise of forgiveness. Repentance changes our course of life; it demonstrates to another the safety and surety we have in Jesus. Repentance gives relationships strength and direction. Can we get more encouragement, teaching and relationships involved with this? This is where the institutional church and the Body of Christ can walk together … where there is sound teaching, let us strive to live in accordance to it, to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God.
Blessings,
ps.
If you find yourself on a repetitive pattern of needing to forgive someone who is not walking in the ways of lasting repentance, I highly recommend, Good Boundaries and Goodbyes by Lysa Terkeurst. (affiliate link)