Q&A for How to Repent

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What if I am too shy, scared, hurt, or embarrassed to speak the truth?

Community Answer

God is your father. He is there for you all the time. Go in a quiet room and talk to Him. Tell the truth, and show God that you are willing to do anything to repent.

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Question

How do I repent if I have a habit of lying?

Community Answer

Attempt to stop your habit. Repent normally, but tell God you will try to ease out of it.

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Question

Is it okay if I'm unable to forgive someone right now?

Community Answer

Forgiveness is an act of grace from God. If you're unable to forgive someone, pray to God and ask Him to give you the strength to forgive. Be humble and open your heart to Him; as people who have received God's forgiveness, we should forgive others.

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Question

What if I feel I could repent, but can't confess my sins to my family?

Community Answer

The most important thing is to talk to God about it. Tell Him what you have done and why you feel it's wrong, and ask Him for forgiveness. Your family doesn't need to know your sins in order for you to be forgiven.

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Question

How will I know if I am forgiven?

Community Answer

You were already forgiven for your sins. Just do your part now by confessing and repenting to God.

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Question

What does it mean to repent?

Community Answer

When you repent, you ask God for forgiveness, but then, you have to turn away from the sin and try to not repeat it.

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Question

Will God forgive me again even if I broke my promise to God or did my sin again.

Community Answer

Yes. God knows that we can't always keep promises, even when we make them. And He knows that because we're human we can't always stay away from temptation.

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Question

I feel horrible for some of the things I have done. I've cried and have asked God to please forgive me and to help me. I'm trying really hard. Does he know this? Will he still accept me into heaven?

Community Answer

God knows how hard your trying and I'm sure he's happy about that. However, Christianity is centered around acknowledging your imperfection and God's perfection. While you should continue doing your best, remember that you're not going to be perfect, but God has given you grace. God loves you so much, despite the bad things. You're not going to hell. God tells you that if you don't turn your back on Him, He won't turn his back on you.

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Question

Will God forgive me for swearing?

Community Answer

Of course. God loves all of us equally. Just remember to repent.

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Question

Isn't repenting just a free pass to do something wrong since I can just keep repenting?

Community Answer

No, you have to mean it to repent, otherwise God will know your actions are false. He can see through lies. You have to mean it, and change for the better.

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Question

Can I confess in my head or do I have to repent out loud?

Community Answer

God knows your thoughts before you speak. Pray to him and ask for his forgiveness and to help you change for the better.

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Question

Is God ever going to forgive me for my sins if I repent?

Community Answer

Yes. God is rich in mercy and forgiveness. Repent sincerely and you'll be forgiven.

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Question

I already got baptized but after being baptized I sinned for many years. I want to repent for my sins. Must I be baptized again?

Community Answer

No, you must repent with a humble heart and contrite spirit.

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Question

If I watched porn and lied to people I loved, will I go to hell?

Theladyorthetiger

Community Answer

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23. "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23. Repent and God will forgive you.

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Question

How can I repent on my own?

Carlos Lizarde

Community Answer

Find a quiet place to connect with God, ask His forgiveness, and remember: He is willing to forgive if we are willing to repent.

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Question

How can I confess my sins to my family without hurting them?

Community Answer

Sometimes the truth just hurts, especially when it involves our sin. You may not be able to prevent them from being pained and disappointed, but remember that when you bring dark deeds into the light, you pave the way for growth and healing. If your family members can forgive you, you will all be closer for it.

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Question

Can I help my little sisters repent, or should an adult help them?

Community Answer

When it comes to repentance, it's your little sisters' choices. You can tell them that they should repent and explain how you pray for forgiveness, but, in the end, it's them who have to make the move.

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Question

I have a long list of sins, and I'm pretty sure there's a lot more that I can't even remember. What if I accidentally leave things out?

Community Answer

Tell God you're sorry for all of your sins. Name all that you can remember and ask God to forgive you for the ones that you can't remember as well.

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Question

Can you be forgiven for adultery?

Community Answer

Of course. God forgave King David for adultery and murder in the Book of Kings, when he killed Uriah and took his wife.

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Question

How do I abstain from friends who encourage me to sin?

Community Answer

Just be honest with them. Tell them that you don't want to hang around them anymore because you don't agree with their actions. They will leave you alone.

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Question

Will I feel a change in my soul when I repent?

Community Answer

Yes, if you truly repent. Emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, you will feel closer to God. This will help you to never make the same mistakes again, and will allow you to ultimately forgive yourself. Not only will your soul feel like less of a burden, but your life and actions will convey the Holy Spirit much more passively, allowing you to be a beacon of light for others as well.

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Question

How do I repent as an atheist?

Community Answer

The first step is to believe in God and Jesus, and know that Jesus died on the cross to wash away your sins. After that, follow all the steps in the article.

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Question

Can God help me change?

Community Answer

Yes, he always can, as long as you want to change for the better. If you want to become more happy, peaceful, or spiritual, pray for help, and believe you can change. Just remember, God is always there to help and guide you, even in the darkest of times.

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Question

What if I did something really bad as a child, and I can't tell anyone or else it would ruin my life and career?

Carlos Lizarde

Community Answer

Everyone has mistakes in their past. The Lord is ready to forgive. If it is in the past, then there it shall stay. If you've given it to Christ, he has already forgiven you, and that's what really matters.

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Question

Can I repent for others?

Community Answer

No. You may pray for others, and help them - but they have to repent to God to fully be forgiven.

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Question

How do I forgive myself?

Theladyorthetiger

Community Answer

First, be assured that God has forgiven you. Ask God to help you to forgive yourself.

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Question

How do I repent if I can't remember the name of the person or where they live?

Community Answer

God knows who you are talking about or thinking about, so you don't need to worry.

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Question

How can I repent if I am 12 years old?

Community Answer

Repentance isn't aged-based, so you can use the same techniques that an older person would. Try a simple prayer with strong wording, or have an adult pray with you.

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Question

Can I be forgiven for something as vile as adultery?

Community Answer

Yes, verses like John 1:9, Acts 3:19, Isaiah 1:18, and Hebrews 10:17 tell us that God will forgive all sins. God also sees all sins as equal, there is no worse or lesser sin. Repent and you will be forgiven.

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Question

When I pray to God, I always cry, what does that mean?

Community Answer

It means that the spirit of God has touched your soul. It also means you are sincere when praying, which is a good thing.

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