February 21st, 2021
Text: 1 John 1:8
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (NRSV)
As I write this, we are in the season of Lent. Lent is the 40-day period (not including Sundays) leading up to Easter Sunday. It is the time of year that Christians focus on their mortality and their sin-nature.
This is NOT done in order to make ourselves feel bad or to lower our esteem. This is done so that we do not deceive ourselves and in so doing, miss the forgiveness that comes to us through the amazing generous gift of salvation in Jesus Christ.
You see, if we say we have no sin, then we have no reason to seek forgiveness and the reconciliation with God that comes in our forgiveness. And, if like me, you believe that our entire purpose in life is to live in a loving relationship with God and one another, then you also miss out on the whole reason you were born.
Self-reflection and honesty about our sin is a vital step in becoming the best version of yourself; the version that God intended you to be from the foundations of the earth.
Are you hiding from your sin or confronting your sin? Have you taken time to consider the things that keep you from a healthy loving relationship with God (sin)? Have you faithfully examined the actions you take or the words you speak that breakdown your relationships with others (sin)? Have you celebrated the joy that comes in forgiveness and reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ?
Pray with me:
Faithful and loving God give me the courage to look at myself with honesty and truth. Remind me that your love for me will overcome any sin that I have within me and bring me into a life that is filled with joy. AMEN.
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (NRSV)
As I write this, we are in the season of Lent. Lent is the 40-day period (not including Sundays) leading up to Easter Sunday. It is the time of year that Christians focus on their mortality and their sin-nature.
This is NOT done in order to make ourselves feel bad or to lower our esteem. This is done so that we do not deceive ourselves and in so doing, miss the forgiveness that comes to us through the amazing generous gift of salvation in Jesus Christ.
You see, if we say we have no sin, then we have no reason to seek forgiveness and the reconciliation with God that comes in our forgiveness. And, if like me, you believe that our entire purpose in life is to live in a loving relationship with God and one another, then you also miss out on the whole reason you were born.
Self-reflection and honesty about our sin is a vital step in becoming the best version of yourself; the version that God intended you to be from the foundations of the earth.
Are you hiding from your sin or confronting your sin? Have you taken time to consider the things that keep you from a healthy loving relationship with God (sin)? Have you faithfully examined the actions you take or the words you speak that breakdown your relationships with others (sin)? Have you celebrated the joy that comes in forgiveness and reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ?
Pray with me:
Faithful and loving God give me the courage to look at myself with honesty and truth. Remind me that your love for me will overcome any sin that I have within me and bring me into a life that is filled with joy. AMEN.
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