Better Together: Building my Relationship with God

To build a better relationship with God, true repentance is essential. However, is it genuine repentance if I despise myself for sinning or merely feel regret? During the Youth for Christ 2024 Summer Youth Camp last June 14 & 15 at the SVD Seminary in Catalunan Grande, one of the most impactful topics for me was Session 3: Repentance, Faith, Healing, and Forgiveness.

As humans, we are all prone to falling short and sinning. As a devout believer, I must align my actions with His will through sincere repentance. Faith naturally follows repentance, and with these two, I must allow myself to heal and forgive.

Previously, I thought repentance was simply saying sorry when I felt I had been too stern or when my “konsensya” (conscience) kicked in. However, I have come to understand that true repentance transcends emotions; it neither despises nor degrades me. Instead, it is an act that my heart desires. Repenting with the right mindset and understanding its purpose leads to a deeper relationship with God. This involves acknowledging my sins and confessing them wholeheartedly to a priest, not just sporadically, but regularly.

Through genuine repentance, I can nurture my faith, experience healing, and extend forgiveness, thereby strengthening my bond with God. Moreover, by having faith in Him, I must be honest with myself, admitting every bit of my flaws and sins. No matter how hard I try, I can never give 100% to become the best version of myself—and that’s a good thing, because if it’s all about me, where will God fit in? I need to leave space for the Lord; I need Him, and that’s also faith. I am giving my best for Him, and I’m letting Him do the rest.

Humility is also necessary because I must admit my shortcomings and weaknesses. I am prone to sinning, thus I need God to forgive me. Faith is not just a feeling of trust, but a decision to unconditionally believe. It is like walking in a dark room with my eyes covered—walking by faith, not by sight. It might be challenging and difficult, but if I put my faith in God and do as He says, He will undoubtedly lead me to the safest path.

Moreover, to have a closer and stronger relationship with Him, I should always seek healing and forgiveness. This won’t be possible if I have not asked for forgiveness from those I have hurt and from those who have hurt me—even those closest to me, such as my parents, siblings, or best friends. It may sound cliché, but this is all part of the process if I want to have a smooth relationship with God. But there’s no pressure; life is not a race. It may seem difficult now, but remember, the second step to building a relationship with God is faith. I should have faith when I pray and ask for healing, and when I ask for the strength and courage to speak to those who hurt me and whom I have hurt. I rely on my faith and prayers to Him because I know I am weak without Him.

Finally, once I have healed and forgiven, I should pray without ceasing. Just because I have repented from my sins, learned to have faith, healed, and forgiven those I needed to forgive; it doesn’t mean that the process of building a relationship with Him ends. Instead, it is a lifelong process, yet a fruitful relationship with Him. I shouldn’t simply close my chapters. As my grandmother, Efigenia, would always remind me back in elementary: “God works in His mysterious ways, so that’s why we pray always.”

To God be the Glory.

(Sophia Beatrice Sison | SPP SoCCom)