Weekly Scripture: Jonah 3:1-5, 10

Meditation:

Repentance is central to the message of the Gospel.  Jesus, and John before him, called upon the people to repent and turn toward the kingdom of God.  This then became the call to action echoed by the Church across the world, beginning in the days of the apostles.  But repentance is not easy and it requires humility at the start.  None of us likes to have our faults exposed.  Our culture often celebrates showing strength and being right.  In this way, repentance is countercultural; we must deal with our character flaws and our poor choices.  Yet when we confront our brokenness and allow God to hold it in his grace, we find healing and wholeness.  What has your experience with repentance been like?  How has God responded to you?

Repentance involves both turning away from that which does not honor God and then turning toward God in relationship and in faithful obedience.  What do you need to turn away from in your life?  In what ways can you turn toward God and the relationship God seeks with you?

Praise the LORD.  Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.  His love endures forever.  Amen.

Breath Prayer: LORD God, turn us back to you.