When the people came to John to be baptised, he insisted that they showed the fruit of repentance. When Jesus came to Zacheus’ house, he ensured that he give back to those he had defrauded and then to the poor. In Ephesians 2, we are told that we are saved by grace for good works.
All of these things come together to show that repentance and faith will lead to a change in our lives, our words, thoughts and actions. This is not about trying to do the right things to earn God’s favour. It is about the results of our repentance and God’s grace in our lives.
I think Zacheus offers us a helpful model of repentance. One way in which we show repentance is by seeking to make restitution with those who have been affected by our sin. Our sin and idolatry affects and harms others. A helpful example might be to consider over a period of time who have been affected by our sin, the things we have said and done but also the things we have left unsaid and undone.
It may not always be possible but consider whether it might be right to seek out people and to say sorry. Consider too ways in which you might seek to bless them.
Faithroots 