12 Days - Repentance

Contrition, regret, sorrow, culpability...I was searching for a more descriptive word that illustrates changing directions in terms of bad habits and selfish short sided choices, but repentance is really the only word that describes what we are called to do this second Sunday in Advent. Wait, prepare, anticipate, and rejoice! What ways do I need to repent? There are so many...but the second part of repentance is conversion. What steps will I take to change and make a meaningful and permanent change?

This December I sent a letter of apology and asked for forgiveness, but I don't think I really have a handle on how I can move towards being a better person. 

Repentance means feeling genuine sorrow for wrongdoing and making a sincere commitment to change. It’s not just regret—it involves turning away from harmful actions and moving toward better choices.

In relationships, repentance often involves both words (apology) and actions (changed behavior). 

Why It Matters

• Personal growth: Repentance helps people learn from mistakes.
• Healing relationships: It rebuilds trust when paired with accountability.
• Spiritual renewal: In faith traditions, it’s often seen as the path to forgiveness and transformation.

In short, repentance is more than feeling sorry—it’s about recognizing wrongs, experiencing genuine remorse, and actively choosing a better way forward.