April 15, 2024 Daily Dose of Discernment

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has arrived.” (Matthew 3:2)

Repentance is not merely an improvement in morality. It’s an essential part of it, but not its beginning. It starts with renewing the mind, in believing our way is wrong and God’s way is right. Transformation follows such a conviction. John the Baptist gave his followers practical tips when they asked what that meant. He told them to share their food and clothing with the needy, not to extort money or bear false witness, and to be content with their wages.

We must understand though, that we repent not to appease an angry God who in fact initiated our reconciliation, but because His kingdom has come and He wants us to thrive in it. This is why Jesus tells us what the kingdom is about. For our own good, which is what God wants, let us heed His teachings.