“Heart and Soul”
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8
As we enter into the last week of this year’s very strange Lenten season, it may be time to ponder if “It is well, with my soul.”? If face-to-face with our Saviour, would our Lord look lovingly into our eyes and say that our lives showed evidence of integrity, honesty and faithfulness? What about love? Or not?
If Jesus showed us a pie chart of our soul what would the slices be labelled and how big would each be? Would there be a sliver labelled ‘church’? One, ‘giving to the poor’? There might be a wedge called ‘ministry’ which we could subdivide into caring and praying and witnessing and all the other gifts of the Spirit. Is it not likely, however, that a large portion would be peppered with sinfulness? Pride, selfishness, unforgiveness…immorality, greed…deceit, anger, bitterness…It is doubtful that we would want anyone else besides God to see that pie chart!
The Good News is that our God is a God of grace and mercy. God proves his love for us in that, while we were still sinners Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 To all who are penitent, truly sorry, acknowledging our brokenness and being resolved to change, our Saviour extends forgiveness. To all who ‘renounce all sinful desires’ and turn again to Jesus, new life is offered. Wholeness and holiness and a clean slate.
“Blessed are you gracious God. Creator of heaven and earth; we give you thanks and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord, who for our sins was lifted high upon the cross, that he might draw the whole world to himself. By his suffering and death, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who put their trust in him…”
Book of Alternative Services p. 221