Saturday, 18th January – Saturday of week 1 of the year

Reflection: Mark 2:13-17

GOD LOVES SINNERS BUT HATES SIN

As Christians, we must never forget what Salvation is all about. Many have wrongly perceived it to be merely a separation of the just from the unjust, a message of hope only to the saints. Beloved, this view is totally wrong because Christ came to earth for the redemption of those that are lost. This mission of His is expressed in action when he spoke to the people in the synagogue after his temptation in the wilderness. (Luke 4:18-19).

Jesus plainly displayed his love for sinners in the Gospel reading of today for us to have a better understanding of his love. God’s love is so great that nothing can hinder His mercy and compassion. The psalmist exclaims “ As high as the sky is above the earth, so great is his love for those who honour him, as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our sins from us” (Ps 103:11-13). Therefore, sin has been done away with by the virtue of Christ’s reign. The more we love God, the more we are able to stay clear from any attachment to sin. Every sick nature of sin in our lives needs Jesus, our doctor and healer. To enjoy the fullness of life promised by Christ in (John 10:10), we as Christians have to do away with whatever dwells in us that God has not created or willed. This a lifelong challenge. A war to be fought with God’s word dwelling in our hearts. “I have laid up thy word in my heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Ps119:11).

Dear friends, are you experiencing some tough attachment to a particular sin? Please go through the following:

1. Free yourself from condemnation (Romans 8:31). Declare freedom to your spirit and acknowledge God’s power to save you.

2. Tell God to heal you and persist in calling upon him. (Jer. 17:14)

3. Welcome God into your heart as Levi did in our reading today.

4. Go to confession frequently.

God loves us but hates any sinful nature in us. Be sure to make that love perfect by rejecting all forms of evil inclinations and press on unto God’s grace.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, heal me from all stains of sin and clothe me with your righteousness and power.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 67 – What is Sin?

At the core of sin is a rejection of God and a refusal to accept his love. This is manifested in a disregard for his commandments.

HIDE A TREASURE

“I rebuke and punish all whom I love. Be earnest, then, and turn from your sins.” Revelation 3:19 GNB

Readings for Today: 1 Samuel 9:1-4, 17-19, 10:1, Psalm 21:2-7, Mark 2:13-17