Repentance – The Antidote to Cancel Culture

“I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.”

Luke 15:7

What is it?

Confession

Confession is first to God because he is the highest authority. By wronging those made in His image he is also wronged. He is the creator of mankind, and is therefore how we know what we were meant for, what is right and wrong. And He is also the only one who has the power to change us. That forgiveness is a universal need. (1 John 1:9; Acts 3:13-26)

You also confess to your victim. Even if the victim is not aware of what you did, the reality is that relationship has been damaged. They have the right to know how they were wronged. (Proverbs 28:13)

Remorse

Repentance is a change of heart and mind. But why would you change your mind? You may say you’re sorry, but what you may really be saying is you got caught and don’t want the consequences. People who are really sorry are not primarily concerned with covering up what they’ve done and getting out of repaying it.

Instead, repentance means realizing the value of the victim and the damage done to them. It is becoming convinced of something you were not before, and feeling the impact of that revelation. This does not mean you have to wallow in guilt, to accept a scarlet letter and be resigned to a new lower status. (2 Corinthians 7:10) This change of mind is the start of God changing you into a new person.

Responsibility

You have to accept responsibility for your choices. You do not shift the blame to Satan, your parent’s, or your genetics. If you made a choice, you are responsible, and that entails that it is your job to, in as much as you are able to, correct the problem. You have to try to make it right, to make the victim whole, even if that means sacrifice. Forgiveness is free for those who are sincere, but those who are sincere will accept responsibility. (Ezekiel 33:15)

Commitment

When you repent and God renews you, you are no longer the same person. If you were in the same position again, you wouldn’t do the same thing because you don’t agree with it. You are now the opponent of that historical figure that is you in the past. Now you rebuild yourself and the trust that your victim and your community can put in you. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Why is it important?

Consider two possible futures.

If you don’t repent you may:

 Fear exposure
 Fear consequences
 Resent the victim
 Trick the victim into thinking you didn’t do it
 Pressure the victim to stay quiet
 Destroy evidence
 Threaten the victim
 Destroy the victim’s reputation so they are not believed
 Have the threat of exposure hanging over you for the rest of your life
 Be at the mercy of anyone who has this dirt on you
 Have to pretend to like your blackmailer
 Be ashamed
 Live life knowing if people knew who you really were, they would hate you
 See everyone as really your enemy
 Hide your true self
 Be fake
 Have shallow relationships with those you love
 Be emotionally hungry
 When opportunity comes to exploit again, need, shame, and resentment push you to take advantage
 Repeat cycle
 Possibly get caught, punished, branded, alienated, and hated
 Others will be encouraged to reciprocate, creating a culture of mutual resentment, disconnection, and exploitation
 You may become a victim who is deceived, threatened, or smeared
 Go to hell

If you do repent you may:

 Be devastated
 Suffer grief at the loss of your identity
 Be ashamed
 Fear people looking down on you
 Fear alienation
 Fear punishment
 Confess to God, receive acceptance, instruction, and healing
 Be whole
 Confess to the victim
 Lift a weight off of your chest
 Create shock and difficulty between you and your victim

 The victim is consoled that you recognize the harm
 You sacrifice to restore the victim and feel validated
 The victim sees you are serious, and if they are Christians will forgive you
 Tentatively rebuild the relationship with the victim
 See your past as a reason to celebrate victory and gratitude that you have been restored
 Tell others your testimony. “Who I was”
 They are shocked. Some are encouraged. Some disapprove, but may see your sincerity and commitment.
 People see relationships restored and know that is how it is supposed to be
 Others may confess how they have wronged you, ask for forgiveness, and strive to make you whole
 Be real with people
 Have deep connections with those you love
 Be challenged but loved
 Grow
 Be emotionally rich
 Be repulsed at the thought of exploiting another person
 Be someone others can trust
 Be someone who can protect victims
 Be rewarded with a culture of genuineness, connection, and trust
 Go to heaven