I Repent — So Should You

I wonder how many more people might have listened to those guys holding up signs at the street corner if instead of saying “REPENT!” they’d simply said, “I repent.”

Most people don’t like to feel judged. They put up their defenses and tune you out — even if you warn them, “The End Is Near!”

But when you say, “I’m sorry, I was wrong, I’m not perfect,” it allows them to approach you so you can share your story with them. If they’re searching, they’ll listen.

For a few weeks I’ve felt the nudge to share the simple message, “I repent.” It means I’m actively turning away from the things I want to stop doing and turning to what I do want to do.

I’ve been a follower of Jesus Christ for over 30 years, but every day I try to improve. “I Repent” is my statement of my daily pursuit.

I’ve decided to literally wear my faith — if not on my shirtsleeve — at least on my shirt. So I’ve created a simple design online for anyone who wants one. But my goal isn’t to get your money. “I Repent” is an noncopyrightable phrase that anyone can print themselves on an online shop or by ironing it onto a shirt yourself.

So have at it. Let’s start a movement.

And, as the Apostle Peter says, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” (1 Peter 3:15–16)

Greg Richter is a writer and editor whose work has appeared at Newsmax, The Clyde Fitch Report and The Hill, among others.