The Bible talks a lot about God's mercy and also His judgment. In several books in the Bible, the Lord warns His people about His coming judgment. He also reminds them that His mercy is still available and that He is willing to forgive us and help us to see the world through His eyes. His forgiveness and judgment are both very important reasons in why we should repent.

1 John 1:9
For if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse from all unrighteousness.

When we turn away from our sin and ask for forgiveness, He is more than willing to show us His mercy and purify us. God starts working in our hearts to transform us when we ask for His help. Change has to take place in our hearts before we start to see it in this world. When we let our light shine, it encourages and builds others up. It creates a domino effect, our positivity and encouragement can make someone's day, and then they can spread love to someone else and it goes on and on.

Jeremiah 3:12-13
"Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, 'Return, faithless Israel, declares the Lord. I will not look on you in anger, for I am merciful, declares the Lord; I will not be angry forever. Only acknowledge your guilt, that you rebelled against the Lord your God and scattered your favors among foreigners under every green tree, and that you have not obeyed My voice, declares the Lord."

In these verses, God reminds us that if we confess our sins and repent, He will no longer be angry with us for turning away from Him. This is one of His promises. A simple, meaningful prayer means so much to God. Some people feel as if they have wandered too far from God to repent and have a relationship with Him, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Nothing you do will make Him love you any less, and it's so comforting to know that. God is after your heart, and He wants you after His too.

There is coming a day when we will all stand before God and give an account for everything that we have said and done. We need to prepare ourselves and warn others about His coming judgment before it's too late. If you aren't standing with God, then you're against Him. If you want to see Jesus in Heaven, you need to develop a relationship with Him on earth. Repentance isn't just a one-time thing but it is something that is done constantly. Denying yourself daily and submitting to the will of God won't always be easy but I promise it will be worth it in the end.