Repentance

Repentance is a sincere regret or remorse for one's past actions, behaviors, or beliefs, often accompanied by a commitment to change for the better. It involves acknowledging wrongdoing, feeling sorrow for the harm caused (to oneself or others), and a conscious effort to alter one's future conduct. It's not merely a superficial apology but a transformative process that aims at ethical or spiritual improvement. It may encompass seeking forgiveness, making amends where possible, and adopting a more virtuous lifestyle. The depth of repentance can vary, from minor regrets to profound soul-searching and attempts to rectify serious transgressions. The ultimate goal is moral or spiritual renewal.

Repentance meaning with examples

• After realizing the hurt her gossip had caused, Sarah felt a deep repentance. She sought out each person she had spoken ill of and apologized sincerely. She promised herself to choose kindness and empathy over judgmental words in the future. This internal change was driven by true sorrow for the harm she inflicted, demonstrating repentance not just in words but also in actions and a commitment to behave differently.
• The thief, overwhelmed with remorse, experienced repentance when confronted with the suffering his actions inflicted on the victims of his crime. He confessed to the authorities, returned the stolen goods, and expressed a deep desire to make amends for the financial and emotional damage he had caused. His actions showed his acceptance of the consequences and a dedication to living an honest life.
• The religious leader preached about the path to spiritual growth as the way to repentance, urging his followers to examine their consciences, confess their sins, and commit to changing their lives by embracing virtues like compassion, generosity, and forgiveness. He taught that true repentance brought inner peace and led people closer to God and a virtuous path, showing actions that brought them into a better standing with the people around them.
• The environmental activist's repentance stemmed from her recognition of her past consumption habits that had contributed to climate change. She radically altered her lifestyle, reducing her carbon footprint by embracing sustainable practices, advocating for policy changes, and actively promoting environmental awareness. This transformation reflected her regret for the harm caused to the planet and her determination to live in a more ecologically responsible way.