Recognize the Sin

The first step in repentance is to recognize sin. If we do not see and acknowledge that our action was sinful, why would we ever consider changing?  If we choose to remain in denial, we will continue to get the same results and we will not progress. 

Sin is a condition of the heart. If we do something wrong, we need to acknowledge it. If we are hurting ourselves or someone else, or getting gain in some questionable way, that is sin. If we do something we know is not right, no matter how trivial it may seem to others, it is sin. The better we know, the more serious it is. We know when we do right or wrong.

We need to learn to look at our actions honestly and recognize that what we do has an effect both on ourselves and upon others.  This part may seem harsh, but we must apply this approach to ourselves in honesty, otherwise we will not begin the repentance process and we will become a slave to that sin.