In today’s Gospel, Jesus asks the people to repent of their sins and turn to God lest they perish. Repentance is not just about being sorry for our sins, but having a complete change of heart and mind, strong enough to change the way we think, act and live. It is a conscious decision to reject our carnal nature by seeking a daily life in God’s Word and walking in the Spirit. Genuine repentance is a change of heart that produces the fruits of new behaviour. Acting, speaking and living differently are the inevitable outward fruits of being made different on the inside. God is patient and merciful and gives us time to change and bear fruit. If we do not repent, we will perish like the barren fig tree that does not bear any fruit. The consequence is a life ruled by sin that will separate us from God and lead to spiritual death. “There is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!” Luke 15:7.

PRAYER: Abba Father, create in me a clean heart, and renew a loyal spirit within me. Amen.