How Often Should You Repent?

Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. — Matthew 6:12–13

Jesus Set the Bar for Holy Living Extremely High

In the Sermon on the Mount, He explained that sinful behavior starts with our thoughts. He said,

You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. — Matthew 5:27–28

Every time your brain generates a thought, you have a chance to sin. Every time your eye lingers over someone, you have a chance to sin. Every time you react to someone who annoys you, you have a chance to sin.

That’s a problem because sin interferes with your relationship with God. It doesn’t change your status as His child. That’s important to understand. If you’ve accepted Christ as your Savior, you’ve been declared righteous. Paul said,

But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, but it is the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus. — Romans 3:21–24

Being declared righteous isn’t the same as being perfect. You still have a sinful nature inside you. Sometimes that nature will get the better of you. Sometimes you’ll lose the battle against temptation.

That doesn’t mean you have to become spiritually reborn again; it only happens once. Justification happens once. God put His Spirit in you. That’s why Paul said,

Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. — Ephesians 4:30

• The Holy Spirit is sealed inside you. Sin doesn’t take away your salvation.

Sin does, however, create a wall between you and God, and keep you from enjoying everything God has to offer. And it keeps you from living the life He intends for you. That’s why the Holy Spirit makes His grieving known. He acts stronger than your conscience. He lets you know when something’s not right inside you — when there’s a temporary blockage in your relationship with God. He makes you feel bad about what you’ve done — not to ruin your self-esteem but to compel you to take care of the problem. When the Holy Spirit convicts you of a sin, you should ask God’s forgiveness immediately—never put it aside until later.

The Holy Spirit works in you until you say, “Father, I messed up. Please forgive me for what I’ve done. Restore Your relationship with me.”

Never let sin or any obstacle influence you to walk outside the will of God and not within it.

The writer of Hebrews said,

Let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us. — Hebrews 12:1

DIG DEEP

The Holy Spirit will let you know when you need to repent and ask for forgiveness. If you follow His lead, you’ll maintain a healthy, thriving relationship with the Lord. Ask yourself the following questions and answer them truthfully:

1. How does the Holy Spirit convict you of sin?
2. When and how do you react to it?

Excerpted with permission from Bold Pursuit by Daniel Maritz, copyright Daniel Maritz.

* * *

Your Turn

Are you a regular repenter? Do you make sure you clear the path between you and God to stay close to Him and His will? Repentance is a gift! It’s God’s way of giving us a way back to Him! Take that step today and come tell us what happens. ~ Devotionals Daily