Often nothing requires more courage than admitting one’s own fault. We dread the admission that we are in the wrong. Human beings have double nature: capable of great sacrifice and charity and at the same time capable of committing heinous acts. This is because the instinct to do good and the instinct to do bad are intertwined with positive and negative qualities.

There are moments in our lives when we regret our actions and wish we had not done what we did. There would hardly be anyone who has not, at some time or other, grappled with the feeling of guilt. Hence the need for being always guarded. To those who are overburdened with guilt over things that had gone wrong, there is always a way out. God always offers a second chance.

Lifestyle changes are required to build more positive qualities. Just as suitable lifestyle changes are required for people suffering from diabetes, heart ailments, to maintain physical health; similarly certain lifestyle changes are required at the spiritual level to maintain spiritual health.

What are these lifestyle changes for a healthy spiritual life?

· Not to follow the policy of ‘eye for an eye’ & ‘tooth for a tooth’

· Not to harbour resentments, anger or bitterness

· Not to be selfish

· Not to be proud, etc

The golden rule is “Do unto other what we expect others to do unto us”.

Repentance means change, a new beginning. It results in behaviour change. Repentance happens in your mind. It brings humility, gratitude and a desire to set things right.

Pastor-founder of the Times Square church, David Wilkerson (who passed away on April 27), had preached to street urchins, gangsters of New York and drug peddlers resulting in transformation of hundreds of criminal offenders. He would say, “Repentance isn’t a one-time experience. It’s not some hurricane that strikes once & then is gone forever. Nor do we experience repentance only in moment of crisis, & then merely talk about it. It is our constant teacher”. Repentance is successful only if it brings some lifestyle change, as then the change will be lasting.

We should do self-analysis & be conscious of the lifestyle changes required by us for a healthy spiritual life.