New Reminders: Repentance
by Ardith Hoff
Butch Cassidy (1866-1908) was an American outlaw who robbed banks and trains with his “Wild Bunch” gang and his infamous partner, the Sundance Kid. Only once was Cassidy arrested and imprisoned. During his 18 months in the Wyoming Territorial Prison, Cassidy asked for a pardon. In 1896, Governor William Richards pardoned Cassidy after he agreed to no longer commit crimes in Wyoming. Seven months later he robbed a bank in Idaho. We haven’t repented if we just agree to take our sins elsewhere. Wall Street Journal, 10/29/2025
Repentance that simply says “I’m sorry for what I have done” is just the first step in a process that requires not only remorse but also confession––taking ownership of and responsibility for the bad or illegal thing we have done. If we don’t acknowledge the offence, we are likely to think we can not only get away with it, but we might convince ourselves that it wasn’t all that bad. True repentance requires a commitment not to repeat the bad behavior and to rid oneself of the desires that precipitated the behavior in the first place. A change of heart as well as a change of behavior is required. These steps should be followed with a sincere attempt to repair the damage our behavior may have caused. These steps might require us to seek help such as counselling and turning to God in contrite prayer.
The good news is that God has promised to help us to not only repent, but also to be a better person going forward. In 2 Chronicles 7:14 scripture states: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." In Acts 26:20, the apostle Paul explained that we not only need to change our attitudes and actions, but we need to forgive ourselves and others. Forgiveness and repentance go hand in hand. Forgiveness from God is immediate and complete when repentance is sincere, relieving the heavy burdens of guilt and opening the door to salvation. Beyond receiving forgiveness from God, we must also be willing to forgive others who may have harmed us.
God does not seek to punish us. His stated desire is for all of us to come to the realization that we have sinned and have fallen short of His plans for us. If we are willing to repent, His promise is to help us follow His word. 2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” Acts 3:19 says “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”