Sin and Forgiveness

The People of God Set Priorities
Bearing One Another's Burdens
A Community Forgives

Acts 13:36-41 The Message

^36-39 “David, of course, having completed the work God set out for him, has been in the grave, dust and ashes, a long time now. But the One God raised up—no dust and ashes for him! I want you to know, my very dear friends, that it is on account of this resurrected Jesus that the forgiveness of your sins can be promised. He accomplishes, in those who believe, everything that the Law of Moses could never make good on. But everyone who believes in this raised-up Jesus is declared good and right and whole before God.
^40-41 “Don’t take this lightly. You don’t want the prophet’s sermon to describe you:

Watch out, cynics;
Look hard—watch your world fall to pieces.
I’m doing something right before your eyes
That you won’t believe, though it’s staring you in the face.”

For Reflection

We all sin.  We all suffer forgiveness.  Why is forgiveness so hard a gift to give and to receive?  Why is forgiveness so difficult to understand?  Why is vengeance and retribution among the most common responses?  How can we overcome this knee jerk reaction to those who harm us? 

What Christ offers is truly unbelievable in common perception.  Christ offers an uncommon perception, ending the death spiral of vengeance and retribution.  Believe that forgiveness and repentance works.

Pray

prayers of confession.  Pray for forgiveness.  Pray to forgive. Pray to offer love in place of hate.  Pray to turn to a righteous path.