Scripture and Faith Challenge: Repentence

 ^{Today's word is repentance. This is a word that's thrown around a lot within the Christian community, but sometimes I wonder if we really know what it means.  Dictionary.com defines it as}

1. deep sorrow, compunction, or contrition for a past sin, wrongdoing, or the like; 2. regret for any past action.

 

When you really stop to think about it, repentance isn't something that we should do once to originally be saved and then forget about.  Repentance is something that we should be doing every day.  Well, let me clarify that- I should be doing it every day. 

Luke 15:7
⁷ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

That's why this verse gives me so much hope.  Because He isn't asking for perfection-thankfully.  He's just asking for repentance.  Really.  And while it can be hard sometimes to admit our flaws...isn't it so much better than any alternative?  And, since He knows everything we do anyway...why not repent?  I feel like some days, I'm constantly repenting.  Someone cuts me off in traffic, a customer at the store gives me attitude for no reason- bam, here come the unkind thoughts.  "I'm sorry Lord, please forgive me!"  But this verse makes me feel like it's okay.  It's better to do wrong, realize and admit it (and strive to do better next time), than to never make a mistake.  Isn't that freeing?  To be told that not only is it okay to not be perfect, but to be rejoiced over when that truth becomes all too evident?  I really can't think of a better feeling!