From Jn1034 Orthodox Repentance

From "the intersection of Episcopal breadth and Orthodox depth," the Rev. Michael K. Marsh shares "Some Thoughts on Repentance":

"Repentance is
— is as much or more about our heart as it is about our actions.
— is returning our gaze to God.
— is changing the direction of our life in order to face, see, and receive our coming salvation.
— is turning our life around.
— is to choose a new life.
— is not just about changing behavior – it is a change of mind, a change in direction, a change in attitude, a change in our way of being.
— is the recognition that our self-sufficiency is inadequate.
— is a search for life which is realized in personal communion with God.
— is not simply about improvement in behavior or even being perfect, a psychological feeling, or strengthening our will. It is, rather, a change in our mode of existence by which we cease to trust in our own individuality
— is not individual feats or works of merit but a cry of trust and love from the depths of our abyss.
— is our true Christmas preparation.
— is how we cooperate with God in our own salvation.
— is refusing to continue to settle for less than what God is offering.
— manifests our desire for God.
— is our response to God’s desire for us.