Have you tried to change something about yourself but found it too difficult? Maybe you want to be more patient, kinder, or more obedient—yet, you keep falling back into the same routines, the same mistakes. You might wonder each time, “Can I really change?”
The Bible tells us about Zacchaeus, a man who really wanted to change. He was a tax collector who had taken money unfairly from others. Even though he had wealth, he knew something was wrong in his heart.
One day, he heard that Jesus Christ was coming. Zacchaeus was so short, he could not see over the crowd gathered around Jesus. Determined to move closer to Jesus, Zacchaeus thought on his feet, ran ahead, and climbed a tree.
Jesus saw Zacchaeus and chose to visit him. That moment changed everything.
Zacchaeus did not just say sorry, he showed how regretful he was through his actions. He gave half of what he had to the poor and paid back those he had cheated. This is what we understand as true repentance—when we not only feel sorry, we also choose to right our wrongs.
Our efforts to change, both big and small, are clear to Jesus. He wants to come into our hearts and help us be better Christians. Have we chosen to let Him in, and how willing and able are we to change? When we give our hearts to God, He helps us grow and be more and more like Him.
Family Altar
Use these discussion questions and our prayer as a guide for your family altar.
Parents can lead the prayer and invite their children to repeat after them or encourage their children to take the lead, making family altar time a shared journey of faith.
Discussion Questions:
Is there something in your life you want to change?
Like Zacchaeus, what efforts can you make to follow Jesus?
How can you show true repentance through your actions?
Prayer in Words:
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we pray.
Thank You for loving us even when we make mistakes.
Please help us truly change and do what is right.
Grant us courage to try again and not give up,
And show our love for You through our actions.
Come into our hearts and guide us everyday.
Hallelujah, Amen.
