Don’t Just Cover Old Ways

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.” 

Acts 3:19–20 

If you are serious about painting a fence, you have to prepare the surface of the wood. You scrape away the old paint—every fleck you possibly can. If you don’t, you will simply be covering over weak spots. When the inevitable rains come, followed by baking sunlight, the new paint will bubble, blister, and peel, leaving your fence as ugly as it was before.  

In the same way, when the Bible tells us to repent, it means something more than just acknowledging wrong—more than changing our minds or our way of living. It means asking forgiveness or making restitution for the wrongs you’ve committed. Anything less is just covering up our old ways, and the changes won’t last. Make your repentance deep—and it will bring a joyful and lasting change. 

Thank You, Father, for making a way for me to know You and be near You. Thank You that You don’t require me to light candles, do penance, or make up for past sins by working very hard for You. You have simply forgiven me, head to toe, heart to soul, in Christ and through His blood shed for me—even cleansing me from a guilty conscience (Hebrews 10:22). No words can express my praise and gratitude.