Kindness That Leads Us - "Repentance"

13/07/2025 - Zeke Murley There’s a word in the Bible that some of us wish wasn’t there: **Repent**. Not whispered – **preached**. Not optional – **commanded**. Not hidden – spoken by **Jesus** Himself. Key Question: Have I actually repented, or have I just learned to **hide**? Scripture Romans 2:1–6 • Matthew 3:1–2 • Mark 1:14–15 • Acts 2:37–39 • Acts 5:31 • John 3:5–8 Head – What is Repentance? Repentance isn’t just feeling bad—it’s a **turning**. • It’s a **reorientation** from sin and from self, toward God. • In the OT, ‘nāḥam’ = to be deeply sorry; ‘šûḇ’ = to **return**. • When we repent, God **relents** (Jer. 18:8). • God’s **kindness** leads us to repentance (Rom. 2:4). Kindness Misunderstood Culture has redefined kindness as **being polite or agreeable**. • Biblical kindness is always tied to **moral goodness**. • Kindness without goodness is **flattery**. • We’ve turned kindness into **permission** instead of invitation. • God’s kindness is not avoiding—it’s **confronting**. • It’s not coddling—it’s **convicting**. Heart – Why This Matters The enemy loves the sin you’re **stuck** in. • Repentance is not just for the **unbeliever**, it’s for the Church. • God won’t share your **soul** with your addiction. • God’s kindness is not passive—it’s going to **war** with your sin. • He won’t make peace with porn, or **dance** with your drinking. • It’s not just a whisper—it’s a **wake-up call**. Hands – Our Response • Conviction without **action** just becomes regret. • Repentance is the **response** that turns conviction into freedom. • In repentance, you’re not just turning away—you’re turning **toward Someone**. • When you turn, God turns—not in nature, but in how He **deals** with you. • He sees not your sin, but **Jesus**. What is the Holy Spirit calling you to repent of today?