If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (1 John 1:8-10)

When I was a young Christian, I thought that spiritual maturity would mean that I would have less of a need to repent. I thought I would get to the point that sin would be a rarity. While it is true that, as we grow in Christ, we “are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness” (Westminster Shorter Catechism #35), it is also true that, as we grow in Christ, the Holy Spirit exposes more and more of our hearts. Therefore, as we grow in Christ, we should find ourselves repenting more, not less.

Repentance is the inevitable fruit of faith. That is because the more we trust in Christ’s righteousness, the less we will try to cling to our own. If you are not repenting, you know it is not because you are not sinning. So, it must be because you are not embracing the gospel. You are trying to stand on your own good works rather than the grace of Christ. 

Do you believe God is gracious? Do you believe that in Christ, you are blameless, holy, beautiful, and righteous in the eyes of God? Then repent. Acknowledge your sin, grieve it, turn from it, and rejoice in the forgiveness and love God has for you.

Prayer:
Father, forgive me for failing to acknowledge my sin, for failing to see the ways that I have offended you by what I have done and by what I have left undone. Show me my sin and enable me to repent of it, not so that I may be crushed by my guilt, but so that I can rejoice in your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.