So You've Messed Up.... Now What - Part 3

So far we have confessed to God that we've messed up and then asked his forgiveness and learned to forgive ourselves. So what's next?

3) Repent - Step away from the sin!!!

I remember sitting in a church one day and I heard a pastor say the phrase "To repent is to do a 180 degree turn and walk away from your sin." That kind of caught me. It made me wonder if that was it, if repenting was that simple. Well it is, sort of...
When you see your sin, or your mistake you subconsciously focus your thoughts, heart and eyes on it. When this happens it is hard to look away. That's why repentance is not just turning away from your sin, but refocusing your whole self on something else. Unless you seek God and focus on him you are more likely to return to 'the scene of the crime' or rather, your sin. For you who were at Soul this past Sunday you might remember a vivid scenario that PGerry did. He slapped someone. Repetedly. Do you remember why? Because that is sort of what we do when we continually go back to our mistakes and sin against God, again, and again, and again. This is why we must repent.

Acts 2:38,39 says this about repenting:

Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, 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. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off - for all whom the Lord our God will call."

That means you!

Once you repent from your sin, DON'T DO IT AGAIN! Simple as that. Or is it? Sometimes we can't do it alone. That's why there are two more steps.

4) Accountability - Find someone or some people you trust who can hold you accountable and hold you up in prayer
5) LOVE - Learn to love God, yourself and others as God intended.

Again, if you have any thoughts or questions so far, please let myself or any of the leaders know. If you disagree with anything, please let me know, but make sure you can explain why you disagree. I'd love to know your thoughts.