Recognizing Our Need

If you truly want to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit, the next step is repentance.

On the day of Pentecost, after Peter spoke, the people asked, “What shall we do?” And he answered clearly: “Repent” (Acts 2:38 NIV)

Sin is the opposite of love. And the Holy Spirit is love. So, if we want the Spirit to fill our lives, we first have to empty them of what keeps Him away. Repentance is exactly that: making room for God by humbly recognizing the wrong we’ve done and truly wanting to change.

But be careful, there’s true repentance, and then there’s fake repentance.
Fake repentance makes excuses, minimizes things, justifies itself, or does the bare minimum just to feel better for a moment. It’s a “surface-level” repentance that doesn’t actually change anything. It might include a cold prayer or a shallow confession, but it never touches the heart.

True repentance, instead, goes deep. It makes us face the truth about ourselves, even when it hurts. It takes courage to be honest, to open up completely, to admit our faults without filters. Real repentance leads to real humility and a deep desire to change. It pushes us to pray with passion and to make a confession that leaves a mark.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8 NIV)

And when the heart is purified through true repentance, God comes in. He comes in with His Spirit, with His living and powerful presence.

True repentance opens the door to grace. It’s like digging deep so that God can plant His life, His love, and His Spirit inside. Without this step, everything else stays on the surface.

Do you want to be baptized in the Spirit? Then start with your heart: ask for forgiveness sincerely… and get ready to be filled.