Teshuvah: Returning to Our Childlike Essence
The Hebrew word teshuvah (תְּשׁוּבָה) is often translated as repentance or return. At its core, it signifies more than merely seeking forgiveness; it is a process of returning to one’s true self, to a state of purity and wholeness, often understood as returning to God.
The Meaning of Teshuvah
Teshuvah comes from the root ש.ו.ב (Shin-Vav-Bet), meaning "to return" or "to turn back." This root conveys the idea of turning away from wrong behavior, thoughts, or distance from God and returning to a place of alignment with divine will and purpose. The word itself invites a dynamic process, one that is not just about feeling sorry for wrong actions, but about a complete turning towards something better—restoring a relationship with God and realigning oneself with His values.
Childlike Essence: The Return to Purity
In many ways, teshuvah parallels the concept of returning to a childlike essence. Children, before they are influenced by the complexities of life, often embody qualities of purity, humility, and trust. In the New Testament, Jesus even encourages His followers to be like children in order to enter the kingdom of God (Matthew 18:3). This childlike state can be seen as a model for the kind of return that teshuvah encourages—a return to simplicity, sincerity, and wholehearted dependence on God.
Teshuvah as Restoration
Teshuvah is not merely about moral correction or making amends for sin, but rather about a return to the original, untainted purpose for which one was created. In the same way that a child has an innate, unspoiled relationship with a parent, teshuvah is about restoring that original, pure connection with God. It is a return to a deeper, more authentic state of being, where love, trust, and obedience to God are central.
A Process of Transformation
The process of teshuvah can be a journey of transformation, where one’s heart and mind are gradually purified. It’s about spiritual maturity in returning to childlike trust, humility, and simplicity. The act of turning back to God is not just a moment of seeking forgiveness but a long-term reconciliation that leads to spiritual renewal and growth. Through teshuvah, a person becomes more aligned with God's heart and purpose, growing in childlike wonder and devotion.
The Biblical Connection: A Constant Invitation
Throughout the Bible, God calls His people to return to Him—to teshuvah—because He longs to restore them to a place of grace, joy, and peace.
Joel 2:12-13 – “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
This call to return is not just about correcting wrongs but about restoring a relationship with a Father who is eager to welcome His children back.
The Role of Jesus in Teshuvah
Jesus is the ultimate Restorer who offers the path of return for all who are lost. His life, death, and resurrection provide the means for humanity to turn back to the Father, to be reconciled, and to experience the fullness of life once again. Jesus embodies the perfect childlike submission to the Father, and through His example, believers are invited to return to God with the same childlike faith.
Conclusion: A Return to Innocence
Teshuvah invites us not only to repent but to return to our essence—our childlike purity. It is a call to simplify our lives, to remove distractions, and to approach God with trust and humility, just as a child does with a loving parent. Through teshuvah, we experience a restoration of our relationship with God, moving back toward the love, purity, and joy that were always meant to define us.