True repentance is not a one-time act, but rather a lifelong journey of transformation into the image of Jesus Christ. II Corinthians 7, Psalm 51, and Romans 6 all teach that repentance is far more than feeling guilt or apologizing but instead is a spirit-empowered reorientation of heart, mind, and behavior. When we examine Paul's profound humbling on the road to Damascus and David's broken spirit after acknowledging sinning with Bathsheba, true, godly sorrow constitutes a deep awareness and loathing of sin that produces real change. When we examine Paul's seven fruits of repentance, including zeal, indignation, and desire for justice, we learn that genuine repentance is marked for righteousness. Jesus Christ, because He never sinned, could not model for us how to repent, but His great, great, Grandfather David models repentance with a contrite heart, pleading not only for forgiveness, but for total restoration and the ability to teach others. Romans 6 instructs us that God's grace does not excuse sin, but it does empower us to walk in holiness. Even when we are forgiven, the consequences of past sin may linger, but it can be transformed into humility, wisdom, and service to others. Repentance is both deeply personal and communal, enabling us to be healed, transformed, and commissioned by Almighty God for the restoration of others.