The gift of repentance
by Ruth Olsen
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Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).
Read Acts 2:37–47
Do you recall being ‘cut to the heart’ about something? Maybe it related to something you said, heard or watched or your attitude, and you just knew with an inner conviction that you needed to take notice – and humble yourself perhaps – but respond with compassion and care. I can!
Jesus said that when the Spirit comes, he will convict the world of guilt with regard to sin, righteousness and judgement (John 16:8). If we are wise, we will take notice when we experience an inner conviction that we need to apologise to someone and make something right again. That inner conviction of sin or wrong attitudes and words is actually the Lord showing us mercy because he does not want us to be trapped in that sin but instead set free from its hold or tainting.
To repent is to change one’s mind, to turn around and go the other way – away from where we were going. It was a military term describing a soldier marching in one direction and doing an about-face, 180-degree turn.
Acting on the call to repentance enables us to let go of thinking and attitudes that dishonour Jesus; to instead leave all of that at the cross and receive forgiveness, a clean heart and a renewed mind that’s open to the Lord and his word. Hence, the Spirit’s prompting to repent is actually a beautiful gift! He cares about us! What an exchange that Jesus makes possible!
God’s mercy and grace were being extended to Peter’s listeners. The Spirit was at work. Many accepted his message and were baptised. The fruit of the Spirit’s working was a deepening of sharing life together, of teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer with a new joy of discovery as the Spirit nurtured life in Jesus amongst them and their community.
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me! Change my heart, renew my mind and draw me into a closer walk with Jesus and Abba Father. Thank you! Amen.
Ruth and her husband Steen have notched up their 50th anniversary this year. By the time you read this devotion, they will be exploring the beauties of creation somewhere in Europe on a long-delayed adventure, trying to put to use some of the French Ruth has been learning in recent years.
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