Hello
When listening to local and global news, it is very tempting to distinguish between individual’s behaviors. For, we argue, to whom much is given, much is expected. And that is true. However, Today’s Holy Nougat™ suggests otherwise.
One day Cain suggested to his brother, “Let’s go out into the fields.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother, Abel, and killed him. Genesis 4:8 NLT
The first murder. How it must have hurt God’s heart. It wouldn’t have been a surprise, but I’m certain the Lord was grief-stricken AND disappointed at the same time. Yet, as serious as infraction as it was, it was simply sin. Not Sin or SIN, just sin.
For God doesn’t distinguish between types of sin (except for blaspheming against the Holy Spirit), despite our trying to make distinctions. A white lie therefore is just as equally sinful as a big dirty lie. And unfortunately, it hurts God just as much as when someone else would steal or commit murder. Probably because they all begin with an Intentionality in our hearts to go against God’s commands.
But here’s the Good News we might have missed in today’s reflection! Where sin is practiced, God extends forgiveness even more. In fact, thanks to Jesus, when we sin – especially as believers – God sees “Red”! For, when we accept that we have sinned (i.e. offended God) and confess our sins, Jesus’ Blood BUYS OUR PARDON!!!!! Yup. God sees Red.
So, the next time we’re inclined to judge a ‘Cain’, or marvel at God’s willingness to forgive premeditated “____” (i.e. sin), or split hairs about the magnitude of someone else’s sin (perhaps even our own); maybe we’d be better served by Seeing Red. And after Seeing Red, let’s be moved to Confession of our own sinfulness and Thanksgiving for God’s Grace.
Blessings
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
