What Is Repentence

Repentence Defined
In English, the word repentance carries a moralistic overtone. The term originates from the Greek word “Metanoia”, which signifies a fundamental change in one’s thought process, reflecting a total shift in how we see things.

Jesus' initial words, from Marks Gospel are recorded. "The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe." Jesus is conveying that our conventional way of perceiving falls far short. He is telling us that the kingdom of God is here right now and to truly see and live in the Kingdom of God, we must adopt a new perspective, viewing the world through fresh spiritual eyes that only He can provide. Your normal way of seeing is not going to be suitable to see and live in the Kingdom of God. That kingdom is spiritual in nature and we must interact with it using spiritual senses and not physical ones. That is the essence of repentence.
Have we asked Him for those eyes?

Because the English word repentance has that rigid moral over tone we assume that we must repent to be forgiven, yet the truth is much more nuanced. 

Is Universalism the Answer
In nearly every encounter, Jesus refrained from imposing demands on individuals. Instead, He shared meals and forged friendships with "sinners." He totally ignored social status and looked at people as unique individuals. While He did challenge the religious elite, His approach towards other people was different.
Some might misinterpret His evangelistic approach, assuming that His unconditional acceptance meant He expected no change – an idea suggesting we should all simply love one another and embrace universalism. 
We hear that a lot today. 
But make no mistake, Jesus did indeed demand change. A careful reading of His words reveals discussions about those who fail to practice His teachings and the consequences thereof.

Changes within, Godly motivations and passion are the evidence that God is working in your life. If your heart lacks a fervor for God, its essential to reflect on why that's the case.  We should enjoy prayer, service, and worship. We cannot meet God and stay the same. It's not possible.

Friendship & Repentence
Repeatedly, Jesus called for righteousness and holiness in how we live. However, His interactions rarely saw Him imposing His standards on anyone other than the pretentious and arrogant.
Jesus never forced repentance on anyone before he befriended them.
We witness Him dining with prostitutes and tax collectors, essentially the outcasts of society. This may lead us to believe that Christian evangelism should follow a similar pattern of welcoming everyone without imposing any Christian doctrine. Should we have a church where unconditional acceptance and love prevail without implying that we must conform to Christian doctrine? Our world is telling us to do that.

Certainly, Christ's love and acceptance were extended to all, and at first glance, it might seem that He refrained from making demands. However, it's essential to understand that the core purpose of Jesus' teachings was, in fact, to bring us transformation not information. 
Our misinterpretation of repentance arises from looking at things through an incorrect emphasis on ourselves.
We see repentance as a means to tidy ourselves up enough to earn our forgiveness… We need to shift our orientation to God……

The Method of Repentence
In truth, it is the grace of God, His profound love, that acts as the driving force for transformation in my life. Grasping and comprehending His personal affection for me initiates a shift in my perspective, which, in turn, triggers a profound change. Suddenly, longstanding habits give way to fresh and wholesome ones. This transformation unfolds naturally throughout our lives, all spurred by our understanding of the deep love our Father holds for us.
Certainly, there are times when we must work hard to cultivate wholesome habits, but when we are motivated by love, the process becomes both enjoyable and more manageable. Did you know that this is evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work within you?

Consider this: A genuine encounter with Jesus will always bring about a transformation within you. This isn't merely about altering our habits; it goes far deeper. It's a change where Jesus becomes a partner in my thought process. He leads, and I follow. He directs in a very subtle and quiet way. All those walking with Christ will echo that sentiment. It reminds me of what Isaiah said regarding that internal process: "If you go the wrong way—to the right or to the left—you will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the right way. You should go this way.”

An Encounter with Zacchaeus
Let's look at an interaction Jesus had with Zacchaeus. The encounter follows a similar pattern He had with many others in the Gospels.  He met Zacchaeus, shared a meal, and through this experience, Zacchaeus transformed his life. A careful reading of Luke 19 reveals that Zacchaeus had a life-altering encounter with Christ at a dinner table. Such instances are scattered throughout the Gospels, indicating that Christ's method of evangelization began with forgiveness and acceptance, with repentance typically following.

Jesus did not demand repentance before he entered into friendship with those he met nor does he do that with you and I. But make no mistake about it, Jesus demands your all.
If we have entered into relationship with Christ and are open to his offer of transformation. God will, in time, create something new and extraordinary in your life. We, however, need to trust a God who moves slowly in our lives.

The Pressing Need For a Redeemer
If repentance did not occur Jesus simply moved on. We see evidence of this when Jesus spoke to the rich young ruler in Matthew 19.
The rich ruler left the encounter possibly perplexed and maybe on the road to discovery of Jesus but for the moment still in darkness.
In Christendom, we often place demands on people before they can reasonably meet them. Television preachers often strut on stage telling rapt listeners to repent of their sins and then follow Christ. Jesus rarely did that, though he did on occasion but it was rare.
The Gospel is clear that we are all slaves to something. Slavery requires someone to set us free. That someone must come from outside our human condition. It is not possible to free yourself. You are either a slave to Christ or a slave to your sinful nature. Either way we need a deliverer to lead us.

Are You Trying To Earn Forgiveness
Repentance isn't something we do to earn forgiveness; it's a response to having already received forgiveness. It's an expression of gratitude, not an attempt to earn forgiveness through effort. That’s where we miss the boat. We have worked very hard at earning forgiveness. That only creates legalistic and self-righteous individuals. The kingdom of God is for the misfits who have tasted God’s love and cannot resist it. So, they change quite liberally and happily. 

It’s simply impossible to resist kindness and its infectious. Lives change because of mercy not because we make demands from those around us. It was this approach that made Jesus so effective at changing lives. It is a pattern that we should be using both in our church communities but in our families as well. Make no demands but gently guide others to truth. The Holy Spirit will make the way known.
Willingly make friendships.

Our churches should be filled with the unaccepted of society. Our love, if initiated correctly, is enough to change the world.

But are we willing to heed that call?