As a Christian, I have spent the last 21 years walking alongside others as they journey away from sin and towards Jesus. During that time, I have become very aware of people’s failure to deal thoroughly with sin. I am not saying in condemnation—I am in the same boat—but rather as a commentary on many Christian’s lack of understanding. Many don’t know how repentance should look according to the Bible.
Revival is always preceded by repentance. David said in Psalm 51:9-10,
“Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
Confession of sin and acknowledgment of the need for God to work in one’s life is present here. Prayer is the place to begin this repentance process.
Be specific about your sins in confession -True confession is to say the same thing about your sin that God says about it. Use biblical language when confessing.
Ask for and give forgiveness – Matthew 6:12, in the Lord’s Prayer, tells us to ask for forgiveness of sins and to make sure you aren’t holding anything against another, that you’re forgiving others as you’ve been forgiven.
Clear your conscience -The Bible tells us that we need to make things right with others if there is something between us (Acts 24:16, Matt. 5:23-24). If you have sinned against another, go to them, confess in biblical terms, ask for forgiveness, and make things right.