Turning Towards God – Without the Baggage

Rev. Erik Swanson
March 16, 2025

The concept of "repentance" often carries negative connotations, especially in the context of harsh, judgmental imagery. Many of us have witnessed the street preacher with a sign warning of hellfire and damnation. This image can make it difficult to embrace the true meaning of repentance. However, when we move beyond such imagery, we can recognize that repentance is fundamentally about turning back towards God. In our daily lives, we may become distracted or lost in our own emotions, leading us away from God. Repentance involves a continuous turning towards God, redirecting ourselves from selfish tendencies to a life of compassion, holiness, and love.

Turning Back to God

The mystics, such as John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila, and Hadewijch, despite their deep faith and wisdom, often talk about the need for ongoing repentance. They highlight the importance of recognizing our flaws and brokenness—our ego-driven behaviors—and striving to turn back to God. This journey is part of the Lenten season, which calls us to reflect on our lives and make necessary changes. The process of turning towards God is difficult, as old habits tend to persist and even seem more appealing. Yet, repentance requires courage, persistence, and reliance on God to guide us through these challenges and bring about lasting change.

Repentance is Universal

Repentance is not a concept reserved for others; it is universal. Everyone is called to turn towards God and change. It is heartbreaking when people believe they cannot change, but with God’s help, everyone has the potential to grow and become more holy. While change is difficult, it is possible with the right commitment and effort. Repentance is not about self-criticism or feeling unworthy but about facing our flaws and actively working towards transformation.

A More Compassionate View of Repentance

Jesus’ parable of the fig tree in Luke 13, verses 6-9, illustrates a more compassionate view of repentance. Instead of harsh judgment, it offers the possibility of grace, tending, and effort to nurture change. God does not leave us to change on our own but provides support and care to help us grow. The process of repentance requires time, patience, and commitment. It is not a quick fix but a gradual, deep transformation that requires consistent effort.

Support for our Journey

As we work on repentance, we must consider the support we need for our journey. This includes finding a community, receiving encouragement, or even creating quiet moments of reflection to aid our growth. Repentance is a process that involves nurturing and patience, and it requires strategies for sustaining our progress. Just like a journey begins with one step, repentance is a series of steps that lead us towards spiritual health and transformation.

Letting Go of Old Baggage

Repentance is a central aspect of the spiritual life, not about punishment but about turning towards God and embracing a path of holiness. By letting go of old baggage and engaging with repentance in a healthy, intentional way, we can experience deep spiritual growth and contribute positively to the world around us.