Holy Habits: Confession & Repentance
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Holy Habits: Confession & Repentance
What It Means to Confess, Repent, and Be Made New
At LEV Church, we’re spending the summer diving into Holy Habits—spiritual rhythms that help us surrender to God and become more like Jesus. This week’s focus was on one of the most misunderstood and overlooked habits: confession and repentance.
Many of us have learned to keep confession private, internal, or even avoid it altogether. But when we look to Scripture—from the Old Testament to the New—we discover that confession and repentance were never meant to be hidden or passive. They were always meant to be spoken aloud, shared in community, and practiced as a rhythm, not just a rescue plan.
Confession Isn’t a Courtroom Admission—It’s a Kingdom Agreement
Too often, we treat confession like a forced courtroom confession: “Okay, fine—I did it.” But in Scripture, confession isn’t about admitting guilt out of shame; it’s about agreeing with the truth of God—out loud. Whether it’s acknowledging sin, praising who God is, or declaring your new identity in Christ, confession is audible and relational.
“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” —Romans 10:9
We’re not just called to think truth—we’re called to speak it. Confession realigns our hearts and words with the eternal truth of God’s Word.
Repentance Isn’t Just About the Past—It’s About Direction
In both Hebrew (“shub”) and Greek (“metanoeo”), repentance means to return, turn back, or be transformed. It’s not just turning away from sin; it’s turning toward God. Repentance is about the direction of your life—and it’s not a one-time act. It’s a daily rhythm of realignment.
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” —Matthew 4:17
“They shall return to Me with their whole heart.” —Jeremiah 24:7
Why We Resist Confession and Repentance
There are many reasons people avoid confessing or repenting out loud:
Fear of judgment or being exposed
Cultural individualism: “I can handle it on my own”
Confusion between confession and forgiveness (thinking we must be worthy before we come forward)
Church hurt or mistrust, especially where gossip has replaced grace
But the early church modeled something radical: public confession. Not to shame, but to build trust, healing, and accountability. As the Church grew into an institution, confession became privatized—often distorted by fear, control, and religious obligation. Yet Scripture reminds us that:
“There is one mediator between God and man, the man Jesus Christ.” —1 Timothy 2:5
“Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another that you may be healed.” —James 5:16
Confession & Repentance: A Rhythm, Not a Rescue Plan
Confession without repentance is just agreeing with truth without change. Repentance without confession is trying to change without acknowledging what you're turning from. But together, they form a holy rhythm of transformation.
🌀 Confession exposes. Repentance reorients.
🌀 Confession reveals. Repentance responds.
🌀 Confession restores fellowship. Repentance restores direction.
“What sort of people ought you be in lives of holiness and godliness?” —2 Peter 3:11
God’s patience isn't neglect—it’s mercy. His desire is that all would come to repentance. That includes us, daily.
A Holy Invitation: Confess the Truth Out Loud
At the end of service, we invited everyone to speak truth over themselves, out loud. Not because God needs to hear it, but because we do. We began practicing a rhythm of confession—declaring identity over shame, truth over fear, purpose over past mistakes.
Here are six truths we confessed together:
My old self was crucified—I now live by the life and power of Christ.
I am a new creation—My past doesn’t define me. Jesus does.
I am not condemned—I live under grace, not guilt.
I am God’s workmanship—Created with purpose and destiny.
I am chosen, royal, and holy—I belong to God and live to declare His goodness.
I am a citizen of heaven—Earth is my assignment, not my identity.
Final Thought: Build the Habit, Not the Hype
Confession and repentance aren’t emotional hype—they’re a habit. A way of daily aligning your heart with God’s. And in that habit, holiness takes root.
So ask yourself:
What direction is my life facing?
What truth do I need to speak out loud today?
Is confession and repentance a rhythm in my life—or just a rescue plan?
Let’s move toward holiness together—not by striving harder, but by surrendering deeper.