“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longerworthy to be called your son.’”(Luke 15:21 NIV)Repentance involves acknowledging our mistakes and taking responsibility for our actions.It does not involve taking a whip to our own backs and punishing ourselves for the thingswe have done wrong during our time away from the Father.God disciplines those He loves. Yes, discipline is not pleasant whilst it is happening, but itproduces a life of obedience and surrender. God’s discipline is a sign that He loves youand accepts you as His own child. There is no need to add to that heavenly discipline withyour own self-punishing judgement.The prodigal son knew what it was to feel unworthy. He rehearsed his speech of apologyover and over all the way home to his father’s house. His humility led to his restoration,yes. But his self-punishment was not necessary.Proclaiming to his father that he was no longer worthy to be called his son must havebroken the father’s heart. How could he think and even say such a thing?No matter what you have done, your position as a child of God has never and can never berevoked. You are loved. Unashamedly, over-the-top, exceedingly more than you could askor imagine – loved!Knowing and accepting this is so freeing and only produces more worship in our hearts forthe Father of all grace.True repentance is not about guilt but about turning away from sin and back toward God.Repentance is not simply an apology, it is a decision to turn 180 degrees in the otherdirection and to lay down, once and for all, that which separates you from your heavenlyFather.Today, spend some time reflecting on what it means to repent and consider the freedomthat comes with returning to the Father with a humble heart.
Father, I repent of the ways I have sinned against You. I lay my burdens and failures beforeYou, trusting that You will forgive me and restore me. Cleanse my heart and help me live ina way that honours You.In Jesus’ name,Amen.Action: Write a letter to God today, expressing your repentance for any areas where youfeel you’ve been distant. Be honest about your struggles and trust in His forgiveness.