Weekly Devotional: Repentance and Turning From Sin

“Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.” — Lamentations 3:40, NIV

It may sound a bit mind-blowing but every single person in the entire world struggles with sin (Romans 3:23). Not one person, except Jesus, has ever lived up to the standards of God and perfection. We all have done wrong against God and others. We will never reach perfection while we are here on Earth and sin will continue to be a struggle that we battle with daily.

Knowing this, it is quite safe to say that at one point or another we may get trapped in sin and the cycle of temptation and consequences it causes. When we do fall into sin, it is important that we remember forgiveness and repentance.

Seeking Forgiveness

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” — Ephesians 1:7, NIV

When we sin, we thankfully do not have to fear that we have lost God’s love or approval. We can come to God with confidence and reassurance when we are searching for forgiveness. He is a forgiving God, full of mercy and grace toward us.

Psalm 103:12 says, “…as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Salvation through Jesus is offered to us while we are still sinners, not once we have everything together (Romans 5:8).

As we find sin overtaking our actions, behavior or thoughts, we should not hesitate to seek God’s forgiveness. We can approach him. When we place our faith in Jesus, we are not trapped by our mistakes. 

Repentance and Faith, Making a U-Turn

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” — Acts 3:19, NIV

Although God’s forgiveness and grace is openly given to us. We should not continue our sinful actions or habits. In Romans 6, Paul brings up the decision of continuing to sin or changing course. As Christians, we can embrace our identity as forgiven and “live a new life” (Romans 6:4).

Repentance is a change of mind and heart that leads to a change in our action and behavior. When we find ourselves in the midst of sin, we really have two options. We can proceed or we can make a U-turn and turn away from the sin.

It sounds simple but, in reality, this can be a struggle for all of us at one time or another. Fortunately, we are never alone or abandoned.

1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

Despite our unfaithfulness, God is still faithful, even in our sin and struggle. When we do not have strength, he is there for us. We just need to choose what we want to do — lean into him and his strength despite the difficult or take the route that may offer temporary satisfaction but also spiritual consequences.

Grand Canyon University has a vibrant Christian campus and is happy to offer programs that allow you to learn about your field while maintaining a Christian perspective and growing your faith in Jesus. Explore GCU’s theology and ministry degree programs and read more Weekly Devotionals.

Approved by the Global Outreach Coordinator of The Department of Spiritual Life on Oct. 5, 2022