Won’t you revive us again, so your people can rejoice in you? Psalm 85:6
Here is memorable tool using the word TURN to guide you through confession and repentance. Each step includes a Bible verse and a practical action. This tool covers sin against God and others, including sins of commission and omission.
T U R N
A Tool for Confession and Repentance
T — Tell the Truth
Verse:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
(1 John 1:9 NIV)
Action Step:
Quietly or aloud, honestly admit to God (and to anyone you’ve wronged, if appropriate) what you have done or failed to do. Be specific—name both actions (commission) and inactions (omission).
U — Understand the Impact
Verse:
“Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight.”
(Psalm 51:4 NIV)
“Anyone, then, who knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.”
(James 4:17 NIV)
Action Step:
Ask God to help you see how your sin affects Him, others, and yourself. Reflect on sins of omission as well as commission.
R — Receive God’s Forgiveness
Verse:
“He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.”
(Psalm 103:10 NIV)
Action Step:
After confessing, thank God for His mercy and forgiveness. Accept that you are cleansed because of Jesus.
N — New Direction
Verse:
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
(Acts 3:19 NIV)
Action Step:
Ask God for a new mindset (changing your thinking). Decide on a specific action to “turn” from sin—make amends if needed, and choose a new way forward according to God’s truth.
Summary Card
T — Tell the truth (1 John 1:9)
U — Understand the impact (Psalm 51:4, James 4:17)
R — Receive God’s forgiveness (Psalm 103:10)
N — New direction (Acts 3:19)
Use the TURN tool whenever the Holy Spirit prompts you to confess and repent. Remember: confession is agreeing with God about your sin; repentance means changing your thinking and your direction.