Reverend Marco Ste-Marie

Repentance means changing direction, not just feeling regret.

Repentance means changing direction, not just feeling regret.

It’s easy to say, “I’m sorry.” It’s harder to actually turn around. That’s what the word “repentance” means.

In Greek, the word is metanoia—a change of mind, a new direction, a complete reorientation. it’s not just about tears or guilt. it’s about changing your story, your attitude, your habits, your heart.

Let’s look at Luke 15—the parable of the prodigal son. The son wasted everything, ended up feeding pigs, felt ashamed, and finally decided, “I will arise and go to my father.” The turning point was not his guilt, but his choice to go home. Jesus told this story to people who were lost, people stuck, people weighed down by shame.

He wanted them to know there is a way back. That message hasn’t changed.

Why is this story still relevant? Because so many of us feel stuck. We keep replaying our mistakes. We drown in regret. But feeling bad is not enough. God doesn’t want you to stay stuck. He wants you to get up and come home. He’s waiting for you to turn around.

Many people are trapped in a cycle of guilt. They say sorry again and again but never move forward. They believe repentance is just feeling bad. That’s not true. Regret without action leads nowhere. If you only focus on your failures, you miss the chance to start fresh. You stay lost.

The real power of repentance is in your choice to change. god offers a new chapter. every single day, you get to turn the page. imagine leaving the old behind. imagine stepping into new hope, new joy, new life. when you repent, you stop letting your past define you. you start letting god guide you.

Repentance is a gift from God’s Spirit that helps a person feel humble on the inside and live differently on the outside.

Many think repentance is for the “really bad” folks. “I’m not perfect, but at least I’m not like them.” They compare themselves and convince themselves they’re fine. This attitude breeds self-righteousness and keeps the heart hard. Repentance is for everyone, because everyone falls short.

Why Act?
If you don’t change, you stay where you are. You keep carrying the same burdens. But when you turn around, you find forgiveness. You find freedom. You find the Father running to meet you, arms wide open.

Feeling sad about doing something wrong is one thing, but truly repenting is something else. Grieving over sin means you feel bad about it, but repentance means you choose to change. It’s not enough just to feel sorry—you need to decide to turn away from what’s wrong and do what’s right instead. Repentance is about action, not just feelings.

Feeling sorry keeps you stuck; turning around sets you free.

What keeps you from changing direction?
Where in your life are you just feeling bad, but not moving forward?
What step can you take today to start coming home?

Don’t let regret rule your life. Get up, turn around, and walk into God’s arms.