Sorry or Repentant?
People often think to be sorry and repentant are the same, but I am of a different opinion. There are situations whereby we do wrong or are wronged, and the word that usually settles the matter is ‘Sorry.’ As a matter of fact, sometimes, the word is often abused without sincerity from the heart. The husband who wants to pacify his wife and stop her nagging uses the word without taking the time to understand her infuriation in order to settle amicably. Or perhaps, the child who knowingly disobeys his or her parent’s instructions, but uses the word skillfully to avert punishment, and gets away with it. In other situations, for a moment, one may actually mean the word ‘sorry’ but still repeats the action that led to an apology. For example, the spouse who has been exposed for adultery indeed apologizes for hurting his or her partner but still continues cheating. Even in our relationship with God, we say we are sorry for our misdeeds but end up repeating the same action.
Confusing sorry for repentant, we believe we have repented when we say we are sorry. Although repentance starts with the state of being sorry, it is a process. It is a complete change of the heart, mind, body and soul backed with corresponding actions. In fact, the Greek word used in place of repentance is Metanoia, which means change (meta) of mind/thoughts (noia/noos). Repentance is a 180-degree turn from one point or state to another. People say they have repented, when in essence they are momentarily sorry for their wrongdoing. Repentance entails being truly sorry for what has been done and changing ones mindset to prevent a repetition of the action that caused hurt. Can you imagine how our world would be if we were truly repentant? Relationships will experience a whole new dimension. We would have better fellowship with God, with ourselves and with others. This is the reason why Paul gave invaluable advice in his letter to the Romans. For the Romans to experience true repentance, they had to change their standards from the world’s standards, which condoned immoral and selfish behavior, to God’s standards (through his word), which practiced a loving and selfless lifestyle (Romans 12:2).
We can only experience repentance when we see what is right and model it. In doing so, we change from who ‘we are’ to who ‘we want to be.’ This is where God’s word becomes of great value. It helps us each step of the way, when we study it. Something remarkable as well as compelling happens. As we study the Bible, not only do we read it but it reads us too. It shows us who we are, revealing our innermost selves while working on us in becoming who God created us to be. In the process, we are changed from our old lifestyles and patterns of behavior to new persons, expressing our true nature. As a result, our lives experience complete repentance and transformation!
Let us be truly repentant and use God’s word (the Bible) as our standard today. Let us have meaningful relationships; let our apologies be an expression of true repentance. Through this, our world would shine brighter while expelling the grip of evil and darkness.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2
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