Devotional: John's opening line wasn't welcoming—it was convicting. "You brood of vipers!" he declared. True repentance isn't comfortable; it's a complete change of mind. The Greek word "metanoia" means to stop arguing with God and turn around completely. We often want Christianity without transformation, forgiveness without repentance. But John makes clear: the ax is already at the root. God desires fruit, not just religious heritage or empty profession. Today, ask yourself: What arguments am I still having with God? Where do I need to stop justifying my actions and truly change direction? Repentance isn't about feeling bad—it's about thinking differently and living transformed. Let God renew your mind today.