LIFESHAPES: The Circle

True change begins with repentance – Roald

When Jesus and His disciples taught people how to live, they often concluded with a simple yet profound call: “Repent.” The message of repentance is woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing that true transformation comes from turning away from old ways and embracing God’s way. But what does it really mean to repent? How do we move beyond good intentions to actual change?

A Practical Tool for Transformation

To put what we learn and believe into action, let’s start with a simple step—drawing a circle.

This is sometimes called a Kairos Circle or a Learning Circle. Kairos is a Greek word that refers to a significant moment in time—one where God interrupts our routine and invites us to change. These moments can come through failure, unexpected challenges, or even new insights. The truth is, your current system—your habits, thought patterns, and behaviors—is perfectly designed to produce the results you’re getting. But God offers these moments as opportunities to break out of that cycle and step into transformation.

Ask yourself: What opportunity is God giving me right now to change how I think and act to become more like Jesus?

Your real beliefs aren’t just what you say—you live them out in your actions. Maybe this moment is revealing what you actually believe.

This is an opportunity to challenge and reshape your thinking, character, and actions. It’s time to bring your whole being into alignment with the truth of God’s Word, as seen in Jesus. This isn’t meant to be done alone—invite a trusted friend or disciple into the process. Listen to what the Holy Spirit is revealing, and commit to making tangible changes.

Six Steps to Lasting Change

Observe – “WHAT happened?”
- Stick to the honest facts.
- What emotions did you experience?
- What thoughts ran through your mind?
- How did you respond in that moment?
Reflect – “WHY did I…?”
- Why did I feel that way?
- Why did I think that?
- Why did I respond the way I did?
Discuss – Invite a trusted friend
- What do they see?
- What do they think?
- How does Scripture apply to your situation?
Plan – Decide what to stop and what to start
- What actions need to change?
- What thoughts must be renewed?
- What new responses should replace old patterns?
Accountability – Own your plan
- When will you take action?
- Who will keep you accountable?
- How will you follow up? (Call, text, meet, etc.)
Act – Follow through with commitment
- Change doesn’t happen by accident—practice it deliberately!
- If you fail, don’t be discouraged—assess what went wrong and adjust your approach.
- Strengthen accountability where needed.

Reflection Questions for Deeper Growth

How have you understood repentance in the past? How is this process challenging you to think differently?
Think about times you’ve tried to change but struggled. Which steps in this process did you skip or rush through?
How can you apply this full-circle approach to an issue in your spiritual walk right now?
Imagine your life once you fully embrace this process. What will be different? What transformation do you hope to see?

Strategies for Lasting Change

If you need help forming a concrete action plan, try these tools:

🔹 Start, Stop, Continue – Identify what habits you need to start, what behaviors you need to stop, and what positive patterns you need to continue to secure real transformation.

🔹 Character vs. Competency – Is the issue a matter of skill (can’t) or character (won’t)? Skills can be developed with patience and guidance, but character requires truth and accountability.

🔹 High Access and High Challenge – Growth happens best in an environment where we are both supported and challenged. Consider using the Matrix Life Shape for further guidance.

Starting the Conversation

Need help engaging someone in this process? Try these conversation openers:

💬 If someone repeatedly struggles with the same issue:
👉 “Change can be hard. Whether we’re learning something new or struggling with failure, there’s actually a process that leads to true change. Can I show you?”

💬 If someone wants to change but feels stuck:
👉 “Sometimes we think we’ve done what it takes to change just because we’ve thought about it or changed our mind. But real transformation involves more. Let’s talk about the full process using this circle…”

Repentance is more than a moment—it’s a lifestyle of aligning ourselves with Christ.

Every Kairos moment is an invitation to transformation. – Roald

Will you take the next step?