Both can be true, but both extremes tend to clash too often without listening to each other. Sometimes repentance does mean working to change yourself.
The fact of the matter is, there are those who think once they're forgiven they don't have to change, and can willfully keep doing the behaviors, actions, and sins, and drive others to it as well. I know of some like this. Some people's hearts aren't in it, and it's all a grift. It's fair to cautiously keep an eye out for these as well
On the other hand, there are many who expect immediate change or shout down with doubt, doom, and gloom from the get go.
Taking up our cross and following Him isn't an easy task, but it's not something we can ignore. Repentance can require action, not every change is sudden and miraculous. Sometimes there are lessons to be learned in the journey that the Lord our God wants us to learn along the way.
So one shouldn't be too harsh on those early in Repentance, but we also shouldn't turn a blind eye to red flags if they're there. Though pointing such things out should be done in patience, love, and kindness.
Unfortunately, nuance, patience, love, and kindness is lost in this day and age.
Too many have been made too bitter by the series of notable events, trends, and state of things, getting their hearts hardened.
People are so angry at the state of "The West™️" right now, understandably so, that they've fallen victim to the bitterness of it all, and I get it. It's so easy to just black-pill over it all and rage and lash out at things.
To those like this, I ask, just try to keep yourself together, because for every 1000 case you're right about, the 1 who turns to righteousness is worth it in the end. Call out the behaviors and red-flags, sure. But do so in kindness if you must.
Not everyone deserves it, no... but neither did we deserve the redemption given to us by The Lord our God, and we're meant to reflect that unto others. Balance it out.
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