repentance
sense of regret about previous mode of living and actions associated with it, accompanied by determination to think and behave differently in the future. Decision involved may be deeply transformative for the person(s) involved. Such revolutionary implications were fundamental to the use of the term by John the Baptist, drawing on the earlier language of the prophets, who called on Israel to re-order its life radically in keeping with the justice and generous-heartedness known in God.
See also:
justice, prophets