Judges 10:16 And the put away the strange gods from among them, and served the Lord: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.
Repentance includes putting away sinful habits and this world’s gods. Repentance involves setting aside the sins we abhor and vowing not to do it again. Isaiah 55:7: “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”
Although we will fail in keeping our word not to sin again, His compassion never fails and pardon is abundant and always ready. The believer daily puts away his sins of the flesh and of the world. In Biblical terms, he remembers his Baptism and dies to self. A new man daily arises. And because we don’t stop sinning we don’t stop repenting and believing.
We may not have left entirely, but every day we return to the Lord because He is compassionate, and His soul (yes, God has a soul) grieves for the misery we suffer on account of sin. Think of it: our sin grieves the Holy Spirit within. We love the Lord for loving us, so we put away sin and receive forgiveness through daily repentance and weekly forgiveness. Then we enjoy life.