Pauses for Lent Day 27
Pauses for Lent by Trevor Hudson
Day 27 Word: SIN
Scripture: “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in. us.” 1 John 1:8
Sin is a three-letter word that we do not like to use today. The psychiatrist Karl Menninger wrote a book titled Whatever Became of Sin? The book underlines the importance of rediscovering sin as a concept that helps explain the mess we have made of our world and of so many of our relationships.
Sin, biblically understood, is rebellion against God. Usually this rebellion takes the shape of our refusal to love. We prefer to go the way of selfishness and self-centeredness. The results of this tragic rebellion lie all around us in our broken relationships, broken communities, and broken nations.
Lent provides a wonderful opportunity to let the unselfish and other-centered kind of love that took Jesus to the cross flow more freely throughout our lives.
Comment from Marie: This post makes me think of the story of Cain and Abel.
Cain’s sacrifice was not acceptable to God and Cain became angry and jealous. In Genesis 4:7 God warned Cain not to give into sin, “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” Cain chose to give into his petty jealousy, arrogance, and sin and went so far as to kill Abel. This story reminds me of the devastating consequences of being too proud to admit when we are wrong and change our ways. Sin is a very big topic, please share your thoughts on today’s word.
Day 27 Word: SIN
Scripture: “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in. us.” 1 John 1:8
Sin is a three-letter word that we do not like to use today. The psychiatrist Karl Menninger wrote a book titled Whatever Became of Sin? The book underlines the importance of rediscovering sin as a concept that helps explain the mess we have made of our world and of so many of our relationships.
Sin, biblically understood, is rebellion against God. Usually this rebellion takes the shape of our refusal to love. We prefer to go the way of selfishness and self-centeredness. The results of this tragic rebellion lie all around us in our broken relationships, broken communities, and broken nations.
Lent provides a wonderful opportunity to let the unselfish and other-centered kind of love that took Jesus to the cross flow more freely throughout our lives.
Comment from Marie: This post makes me think of the story of Cain and Abel.
Cain’s sacrifice was not acceptable to God and Cain became angry and jealous. In Genesis 4:7 God warned Cain not to give into sin, “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” Cain chose to give into his petty jealousy, arrogance, and sin and went so far as to kill Abel. This story reminds me of the devastating consequences of being too proud to admit when we are wrong and change our ways. Sin is a very big topic, please share your thoughts on today’s word.
1 Comment
What has happened to sin? It's a word not often discussed any more - it makes us (me) uncomfortable. Pastor Hudson defines it as a refusal to love, and of that I am plenty guilty. I might not hate, but in too many circumstances I remain neutral. And that's not the same as loving. To love at all times is such a challenge and so difficult. God, help me to love more.