Introduction.
What does real repentance look like? It’s possible a picture collage comes to mind concerning the many facets of repentance. For some, it carries the connotation of theological statutes and mandates of a hard taskmaster. For others, a gentle Savior’s requirements. In order to have a definitive answer that lines up with the mind of God, let’s go to the Bible. In this Blog we’ll cover five aspects of true repentance: 1. Agreement with God, 2. Godly sorrow and a contrite spirit, 3. Ask for forgiveness, 4. Create boundaries and accountability, 5. Strengthen walk with God so it’s rooted in the fear of the Lord and the love of God.
Definition of Repentance:
Repentance is more than saying you’re sorry. The true definition of repentance is: to stop doing what’s wrong, making an about-face; turning away from the sin and turning to God. To go a little deeper, it comes from the word “pent” which means top, which is where we get the word “penthouse.” Repent means to go back to the top which is God. We originated in the mind of God. We came from Him. He’s the One who breathed life into us. When we repent we are going back to God’s way of living, being and acting. (Walking Out Salvation’s Plan, 2020)
Explanation of Repentance:
The explanation of repentance in the paragraph below is an excerpt from my book, A Book of Prayers published in 2024;
Recognizing your sin, accepting God's correction of it (which leads to walking in obedience), and renunciation of sin are all workings of repentance. Praying for forgiveness is important, but that’s just the start. Changing your ways (with God’s guidance) is the major step on the road of repentance. Repentance indicates that you're coming back to God because there was a rift in your relationship with Him. When a sin is committed, there is a break (big or small) in our connection with God. God is everywhere because He is omnipresent, but when we sin, our close fellowship with Him is contaminated. Repentance brings us back into right alignment with Him. (A Book of Prayers, 2024)
Sin makes life feel off kilter. Which means things are askew because sin causes an imbalance. Sin brings/can bring: sickness, emotional and physical pain, lightweight and severe consequences, families torn apart, divorce, violence, addiction, and the list goes on. These penalties happen when there’s been a deviation away from the truth, will and ordinances of God and His Word. The good news is, the moment true repentance is done, that humble submission to God combined with godly sorrow, moves us closer to God again and in proper alignment with our Lord and Savior.
The Difference Between A Mistake and A Sin
A "mistake" means you did something wrong and you had no intention of sinning. It was like a Freudian slip. For example: you said something the wrong way to someone. You say to that person, “I didn’t mean to say it like that. Those words came out the wrong way.” You ask the person to forgive you and keep it moving.
5 Aspects of True Repentance:
1. Agreement with God.
When we go to God in repentance, a good place to start is to begin by admitting that we did wrong and we’re in agreement with God that our wrongdoing is a sin. Let’s not beat around the bush. Let’s come right out and say that we sinned and make no excuses by blaming others for example. 1 John 1:9,10; Proverbs 28:13
2. Godly Sorrow and a Contrite Spirit.
Genuine contrition bears the fruit of true repentance. There are different levels and experiences to contrition. This can get very deep, so we’ll get to that in a future Blog. See Psalm 51:2 to 5; Ephesians 4:29 to 32.
Contrite defined: “In the Bible, the term "contrite" refers to a heart that is deeply remorseful and repentant for sin. It signifies a genuine sorrow for wrongdoing, recognizing the weight of one's rebellion against God, and is characterized by humility and a sincere desire for forgiveness. A contrite heart is not merely about feeling regret; it involves an inward posture of acknowledging God's holiness and one's personal failings.” (TheBibleChristian.com, 2026)
3. Ask for Forgiveness.
The Bible says, we have not because we ask not. See James 4:2. When you ask God to forgive you, remember to accept His forgiveness. And to also forgive yourself. Psalm 32:5; Jeremiah 33:8.
Ask, and it shall be given you, seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Matthew 7:7 KJV
4. Create Boundaries and Accountability.
The talks about bearing the fruit of repentance in Matthew 3:6, 8. There is usually some sort of adjustment in the character, attitude and lifestyle of the person who has truly repented. Associate with people who are strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Serving in the upbuilding of God’s Kingdom is a fantastic way to be actively engaged in the cause of Christ and be accountable to the people you serve with. If not a fellow servant in the Gospel, you can be accountable to a prayer partner, a godly friend who is mature and walking in holiness as examples. See 1 John 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:9; Titus 2:14.
5. Strengthen walk with God.
Pray for a desire to walk so closely with God that your connection is rooted in the fear of the Lord and the love of God. The fear of the Lord is to reverence, honor and obey Him. Mark 12:30; John 15:4 to 5.
Summary.
True repentance means we realize we have done wrong and we go back to God, the Sovereign Ruler, our King, our Lord and the One who set up Redemption’s Plan. He is in charge. Either He is Lord of all of our whole being or He’s not Lord at all. The Bible teaches us that we must obey Him if we are to be his true disciples and that means admitting when we’ve done wrong and then making the necessary adjustments to get back in proper alignment with God.
Remember that God loves you deeply and always has your best interest in mind.
Blessings,
Tanda
9/28/2026
Prayer of Repentance
Lord God Almighty,
I would like a closer walk with You. You are so very worthy of my praise and worship. Give me the understanding I need to live according to your will. Enable me to make better choices. Show me your way.
I realize I was wrong. I repent concerning _____________. Your Word says, if I confess my sins, You are faithful and just to forgive me of my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Consecrate me to do your will. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. Create in me a clean heart and renew the right spirit within me. Make me a vessel of honor. I want to do what’s right. Help me to do your will.
Your Word says, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” I trust Your sovereign plan will be done in my life. I thank You in advance that You will guide me concerning ___________ and You’ll reveal yourself to me through the scriptures. Speak to me every day about each area of my life that I may know your will and know how to make adjustments. Show me your purpose and bring clarity and revelation about the calling you have placed on my life. Talk to me through visions, dreams and the gifts of the Spirit. Use whoever you choose to speak into my life so I can walk the path you have chosen for me. I believe you have heard this prayer and have already begun to answer.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
James 1:5, Romans 12:1-2, Luke 12:31, Psalm 32:5, Psalm 51:10-11, I John 1:9
References:
Thompson, T., 2020. Definition of Repentance, Walking Out Salvation’s Plan eBook; Chapter 11: True Repentance.
Thompson, T., 2020. Prayer of Repentance, Walking Out Salvation’s Plan paperback; Chapter 11: True Repentance. Retrieved from: Link to Walking Out Salvation's Plan paperback on Amazon
Thompson, T., 2024. A Book of Prayers; Prayer 20: A Prayer of Repentance Chapter. Obtained on 9/22/2026. Retrieved from: https://payhip.com/b/AKaFG
William, L. 2026. What Does Contrite Mean in the Bible (Definition)? TheBibleChristian.com. Obtained on 9/27/2026. Retrieved from: https://thebiblechristian.com/what-does-contrite-mean-in-the-bible/
Attribution:
Cover Image: Photo by TEP RO from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/praying-on-the-bible-12999658/
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