I remember hearing a statement a few years ago that went something like this, “People gravitate towards Christianity because you can do as you like and then simply ask to be forgiven, and *poof* you’re hands are clean!”. There is no need for sacrifices, no need for pain, no putting a penny in the proverbial ‘swear jar’, nothing. While at a *very* simplistic level there is some truth in this statement, to me this gives the feeling that Christians will willingly aim to be malicious then once the deed is done, ask for forgiveness. That is where my problem with it comes. Christians make mistakes, falter and are overcome by worldly pleasures, but as these words suggest, they are not premeditated. One might argue that they are not continual either, for example, making the same mistake daily.
People and surely Christians are not perfect, and that is why Jesus had to come to rebuild that bridge between us and the Father. In rebuilding that bridge, forgiveness of our sins was crucial, that’s why he became the Pascal Lamb. The Father knows of our shortcomings, pains and weaknesses and Jesus experienced them first hand. He didn’t do this so that people could do as they like and then ask for forgiveness – this might even have other repercussions as God is no fool! He did this because we’re not perfect and at times, even though we try our best, we will fall short of our Lord’s expectations. Let’s thank the Lord today for reuniting us with the Father, and let’s thank the Father for sending us His beloved son. I’d like to leave you with the short poem below.
Just Like Me
Dear Lord, forgive our yielding to temptation;
Forgive our pride, our love of worldly things.
Have mercy on our love of sensual pleasure,
Compassion on the sins that self love brings.
It must be hard to understand us sometimes;
So very different is your heart and mind.
But wait, I just remembered that you do know
What it’s like to be a part of humankind.
You suffered just like we do, and you were tempted.
You lived with us so you could comprehend
The things that we go through each trying day,
So you could give us mercy, and be our friend.
Thank you for compassion and forgiveness;
Thank you for your love and empathy.
Thank you, Lord, for coming down from heaven
To experience life’s trials, just like me.
By Joanna Fuchs
Hope you have a great week!