What Does Genuine Repentance Look Like?

By Dr. Temidayo Adewole

Bible readings: Luke 3:6–14; 19:1–10

“Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance…”
— Luke 3:8, KJV

When a person turns to Christ, what should change in their life? Is it enough to identify as a Christian, or should that profession be reflected in the way they live? John the Baptist’s call to bring forth fruit worthy of repentance challenges those of us who profess faith in Christ to examine whether our lives show the change we claim to have experienced. Genuine repentance, therefore, goes beyond what we say; it involves turning from sin to God, with evidence in our daily conduct.

A new life in Christ

When sinners turn from sin and trust in Christ’s sacrifice for their salvation, they receive God’s forgiveness and begin a new life. Paul describes the person who is in Christ as a “new creature,” declaring that “old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17, KJV). This means that becoming a Christian is more than adopting a religious identity; it marks the beginning of a changed relationship with God and a new way of living.

This new life is God’s gift, not something we earn through good behaviour. Yet the grace that saves us also calls us into a changed life. Ephesians 2:8–10 teaches that we are saved by grace through faith and created in Christ Jesus for good works. Changed conduct is therefore the fruit of salvation, not its purchase price.

There is also an inward assurance as the Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are God’s children and leads us in our new life (Romans 8:14–16). This assurance should not be reduced to a passing emotion or the expectation that we must always feel the same way. The believer now approaches God as Father, seeks His leading, and grows in love for Him, His Word, and His people.

Growing in the new life

As repentance changes the direction of our lives, it also changes what we desire, the relationships we nurture, and the way we spend our time. Having begun this new life in Christ, the believer needs fellowship with other Christians who can encourage them in their walk with God. Joining a Bible-believing church or fellowship and forming friendships that support obedience to Christ are important steps in this spiritual growth.

For every believer, separation from sin is important, but it should not be confused with refusing all contact with people who do not yet believe. Rather, we must reject relationships and activities that draw us into wrongdoing while continuing to love others and point them towards Christ. Paul’s instructions help us understand this distinction between separating from sinful fellowship and withdrawing from the world altogether (2 Corinthians 6:14–18; 1 Corinthians 5:9–10).

The believer also develops a hunger for Scripture, recognizing the Bible as a source of spiritual nourishment, guidance, and correction. Just as the body needs food, our spiritual life needs God’s Word (Deuteronomy 8:3; 1 Peter 2:2). We should therefore read it regularly, remembering that the Scriptures testify of Christ and following the Bereans’ example of examining them daily (John 5:39; Acts 17:11).

As we study, our thinking and priorities must also change. Romans 12:1–2 calls us to offer ourselves to God and be transformed through the renewing of our minds, while Galatians 2:20 describes a life lived by faith in the Son of God. Christianity is not simply an addition to our old way of life; Christ becomes the One we seek to please in our decisions and daily conduct.

Alongside the study of God’s Word, prayer becomes an important part of the believer’s growing relationship with Him. Like the disciples who asked Jesus to teach them to pray, we also learn to bring our needs, gratitude, struggles, and desires before God (Luke 11:1). As we continue in this relationship, we cherish the joy of salvation and seek His sustaining help, as expressed in Psalm 51:12.

A change others can see

The inward work of God should become visible in our conduct. When warning His followers about false prophets, Jesus taught that fruit reveals character (Matthew 7:15–20). John’s call for fruit worthy of repentance likewise reminds us that religious claims must be accompanied by evidence (Matthew 3:8).

One expression of our new life is a willingness to tell others about Christ. The Samaritan woman invited people from her town to meet Jesus, while Paul began proclaiming that Jesus is the Son of God (John 4:28–30; Acts 9:20). Their examples encourage us to share our faith with neighbours and friends rather than be ashamed of the gospel (Romans 1:16).

However, our testimony must go beyond what we tell others, because repentance also changes how we treat them. In Luke 3:11–14, John told those with clothing and food to share with people in need. He instructed tax collectors not to collect more than they were authorized to receive and told soldiers not to use violence or make false accusations, but to be content with their wages. These were practical answers about generosity, honesty, and the responsible use of power.

We should therefore ask whether our faith is visible in our dealings with others. Are we honest with money and faithful with what has been entrusted to us? Do we treat people kindly, and are we willing to help those in need? Paul encourages believers to do good to everyone, especially those of the household of faith (Galatians 6:10). Our conduct should give others reason to see that Christ is at work in our lives.

A willingness to make things right

Beyond changing how we live today, genuine repentance also produces a willingness to address past wrongdoing. Zacchaeus expressed this when he said:

“Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.”
— Luke 19:8, KJV

Jesus then declared that salvation had come to his house (Luke 19:9). Zacchaeus’s response included both generosity towards the poor and a commitment to restore what he had taken wrongly, reminding us that repentance should go beyond expressions of regret. Where possible and appropriate, we should apologize to those we have wronged, return property obtained dishonestly, and take responsibility for the harm we have caused. This is what restitution involves: seeking to make things right rather than continuing to benefit from wrongdoing.

While we seek to make things right concerning the past, we must also turn away from the practices that belonged to our old life. This includes ending immoral relationships, refusing dishonest gain, and rejecting influences that draw us back into sin. We must learn to work diligently and honestly, depending on God rather than wrongdoing for success, because Scripture calls us to abstain from evil rather than merely speak against it (1 Thessalonians 5:22).

As we make these changes, however, we may face ridicule, rejection, or persecution from others. Paul warned that those who live godly lives in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). We must therefore depend on God for strength to remain faithful, rather than allow opposition to drive us back to our former ways.

In examining our lives, the question is not simply whether we can describe a conversion experience, but whether that new life is being expressed in our relationship with God, our treatment of others, and our daily choices.

Does the life you live bear the fruit of the repentance you profess?

Reflection Questions

1. What does genuine repentance mean, and how is it different from merely feeling sorry for wrongdoing?
2. What evidence of a changed life do you see in Romans 8:16, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Peter 2:2, Ephesians 4:17–20, and 1 Peter 1:14–16?
3. What practical steps can you take to remain faithful to Christ, turn away from harmful influences, and make things right where you have wronged others?m