When was the last time you had a conversation about repentance?

If your answer is, “I don’t know if I’ve ever had a conversation about repentance,” you aren’t alone.

Many people are eager to discuss biblical values like love and hope, but balk at conversations about sin, judgement, and God’s call to repentance in Scripture. Even Christians can start to squirm when they hear a sermon on repentance and feel God’s Word penetrate their heart like a sword (Hebrews 4:12).

However, Scripture tells us that sin and repentance must go hand in hand for Christians.

Repentance is the act of sincerely regretting and turning away from our sin. We repent of our sin when we accept God’s free gift of salvation, but our struggle with sin is not over at that moment. Because we will continue to fight against sin in this world, Scripture calls us to continue repenting and asking God to help us become more like Christ.

While many people today view the Bible’s call to repentance as uncomfortable, insensitive, or unnecessary, the Bible paints a different picture.

During his ministry on earth, repentance was a major theme in Jesus’s message: “Jesus began to preach his message: ‘Turn away from your sins, because the Kingdom of heaven is near!’” (Matthew 4:17 GNT). He never shied away from discussing repentance with the people who flocked to him.

Jesus’s boldness in sharing the truth about repentance was rooted in love and a desire to save people from their sin and suffering. We can see this throughout Scripture as God patiently calls us to turn away from our sins and find eternal hope in Jesus Christ.

Here are six verses that reveal God’s heart for sinners like you and me.

Repentance is the only way to receive God’s mercy.

You will never succeed in life if you try to hide your sins. Confess them and give them up; then God will show mercy to you.

Proverbs 28:13 GNT

God promises to forgive all who repent and believe in Jesus Christ.

But if we confess our sins to God, he will keep his promise and do what is right: he will forgive us our sins and purify us from all our wrongdoing.

1 John 1:9 GNT

God’s call to repentance is a sign of his kindness toward us.

Perhaps you despise his great kindness, tolerance, and patience. Surely you know that God is kind, because he is trying to lead you to repent.

Romans 2:4 GNT

God is patient with us because he wants everyone to repent of their sins.

The Lord is not slow to do what he has promised, as some think. Instead, he is patient with you, because he does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants all to turn away from their sins.

2 Peter 3:9 GNT

God views repentance as a reason for rejoicing.

“In the same way, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine respectable people who do not need to repent.”

Luke 15:7 GNT

Repentance is required by a loving God who desires what is best for us.

I rebuke and punish all whom I love. Be in earnest, then, and turn from your sins.

Revelation 3:19 GNT