Repentance is more than feeling sorry. In biblical language it is a change of mind that issues in a change of direction. The Hebrew term often translated “repent” means to turn or return; the Greek term means a change of mind or purpose. Both point to a reorientation of the whole person toward God.

John the Baptist and Jesus both began their public ministries with the same call: repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. The summons assumes that human beings are pointed the wrong way and need to reverse course. Confession of specific sins is part of the process, yet the deeper movement is a turning from self-rule to trust in God’s mercy. In the parable of the prodigal son the younger brother “comes to himself” and decides to go home; the father’s welcome completes the picture of repentance met by grace.

Christian tradition has distinguished between attrition—fear of punishment—and contrition—sorrow for having offended God. Genuine repentance is marked by the latter, though imperfect motives may still be the starting point. In practice, repentance is rarely a single dramatic moment. It is repeated whenever the believer recognizes drift and returns.

Without repentance, talk of forgiveness remains abstract. With it, the possibility of a new start becomes concrete.