12 That is why the LORD says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. 13 Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.” Return to the LORD your God, for He is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish. ~ Joel 2:12-13
Oftentimes, when we think about repentance, we think about it in terms of saying I’m sorry to God, and that’s all. Nothing more. Nothing less. Some Christians will say that repentance is part saying I’m sorry to God and part turning 360°, but that’s actually not true. Yes, repentance is about saying you are sorry to God and confessing your sins to Him, but we aren’t to turn 360°. Why? Because 360° is starting at point A and turning a full circle to return to point A where you began. This does nothing for you. That means that there is no change. It needs to be a 180° turn so that you might turn away from your sin entirely.
See, repentance is more than just confessing your sins to God. It’s about turning your heart from those sins and to God. It’s about changing your identity from your flesh to Christ. Your desires to God’s desires. It’s about renewing your mind and softening your heart. Repentance isn’t just feeling sorry. Repentance is doing something about that feeling. It’s acting on that feeling.
Peace. Love. Go Forth and Truly Repent.