Today’s Readings:
Daniel 9:4-10
Psalm 79:8-9,11,13
Luke 6:36-38
“Sorry” is sometimes the hardest word to say. We do not want to appear weak. We do not like feeling vulnerable and we do not want others to look down on us. But you are not perfect. You make mistakes; even silly ones sometimes. It is self-deception to think that you do not offend others. It is easy to notice how others offend you but difficult to see what your wrongful actions cause others. So, say sorry whenever someone mentions that you have wronged them in something you said or did. This will help you think more about your actions and the ways you may have offended God to whom you owe more than a mere apology.
Sin does more than offend God. It clothes us in a “cloak of shame” (Daniel 4:8). By betraying God’s commandments and acting wickedly towards one another, we have lost integrity and we find ourselves dispersed like a sheepfold with no Shepherd (Isaiah 53:6). Sin disfigures us more than it offends God. But God alone can restore the beauty of our souls if we only say, “Lord, I am sorry for offending you. Please forgive me”.
When was the last time you confessed your sins to God? Here, God waits for you, not as the just Judge but as the merciful Father. So long as you are sorry for your sins (contrition), you present yourself to a priest and confess your sins in kind and number and you promise by God’s grace not to expose yourself to the occasions of sin, God will forgive you(1 John1:9). And He expects you to do the same to others. Be compassionate as God has shown you compassion (Luke 6:36-38). Judge not and you shall not be judged. Let us build a world where justice is tempered by mercy and mercy flows from a heart filled with love.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud:
Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I believe and surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart, keep me from all evil, and lead me in Your path of righteousness Thank You, Lord!
If you said the above short prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest, as the case may be.
Prayer:
May God grant me a contrite heart, in Jesus' name. Amen.
May the Holy Spirit fill me with deep sorrow for sins and the grace to repent of them, in Jesus' name. Amen.
May our Lord and Saviour, grant me forgiveness and the grace to forgive those who have wronged me, in Jesus' name. Amen.
May God show me mercy, give me the grace to refrain from all sin, set my heart on fulfilling His command and prosper the works of my hands in Jesus' name. Amen.
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