Repent in a Better Way

I bless you to repent,

To “change your way of thinking,”

Not under the threat of God,

But compelled by the kindness of God.

“God’s kindness is meant

To lead you to repentance” (Rom. 2:4).

When the younger brother,

Who had scandalized his family,

Soaked himself in sin

Until he’d squandered his inheritance,

Hit rock bottom,

What drew him home? (Luke 15)

Was it the rehearsal of his depravity?

No, he owned his sin, but it didn’t move him.

Was it the fear of his father’s judgment?

No, it was the opposite.

Maybe Dad will let me be a hired hand.

Maybe Dad will show me a shred of kindness

That’s the thought that moved the wayward son.

He was wallowing in the stench of pig slop

When he remembered the smell of lamb chops

On his father’s grill.

If you want to repent,

If you want a way out of the slop,

Think of your Father’s kindness—

That’s the way home.