A Reading
In him (Jesus Christ) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the wishes of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. (Ephesians 1: 7)
A Thought
My golf has deteriorated to such an extent that I have subscribed to a programme of golf tuition.
My coach James is identifying a number of bad practices that I have repeated over a period and to such an extent that they have become engrained into my swing. Consequently, it is now proving very difficult for me to change these bad practices and train myself into a new and better swing.
I had hoped he would advise that my clubs were the problem and needed replacement, but he hasn’t. It is down to me, and my frustrations are fast becoming frustrations for him also.
These bad practices are a bit like sins. One or two here and there should surely not make a big difference. After all, each of them is only small.
But the bible views sin more as a virus. Once it establishes a foothold, it spreads throughout the body, establishing more and more footholds that make it difficult to remove.
We are most privileged to have a Lord who can wipe away our sins through faith and repentance.
Without such a remedy, a cure is impossible to achieve. Which I worry is what James will shortly conclude.
A prayer
Forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil.
Amen