7 Reasons Repentance Is Worth It

Nikki Holcombe

What comes to mind when you think of the word repentance? I’m not sure about you, but my relationship with this word hasn’t always felt exciting — mostly because of how I have experienced others using it. If you’ve spent any time in or around the church, I’m sure you can relate. Perhaps you’ve seen those signs on the side of the road that scream in your face ‘REPENT FROM YOUR SINS OR GO TO HELL.’ Or maybe you’ve encountered the people that yell into microphones at the downtown city square telling you to “repent now!” It used to make me feel like I was going to get in trouble. But repentance doesn’t have to be a dirty word. The reality of true repentance is that it releases personal freedom in your life. 

Because of the blood of Jesus Christ, we are invited into a daily life of repentance on this side of eternity for our good. If you look at the New Testament, the key term for repentance is metanoia. Metanoia can be defined as a transformative change of heart. This is why the practice of repentance has been a powerful tool in my Christian walk. 

Simply stated: Repentance is changing your mind about something. 

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” - Romans 12:2 

God wants you to see your neighbor the way that He does. This happens through repentance. He wants you to love your spouse the way He does. This happens through repentance. The list goes on. It’s an invitation from God to see how God sees. It leads to freedom! 

1. Repentance allows you access to think the way Jesus thinks

2. Repentance deepens your intimacy with God 

3. Repentance creates a tender heart within you 

4. Repentance releases personal freedom in your life 

5. Repentance allows you to see people the way Jesus does 

6. Repentance bears healthy fruit in your life 

7. Repentance helps you keep short accounts 

Until Jesus comes back, we will be continuously formed by something. It is our choice whether that is Jesus Himself, culture, or something else. Personally, I want to do my best to let God conform me into the image of Christ. For me, repentance is a daily practice. As we let God conform us into the image of Christ, there is an ongoing process of learning to think like God thinks. While repentance can be difficult, it is also worth it. 

“This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.’” - Isaiah 30:15