Homily for Thursday 3rd January 2019
_“You know that he appeared to take away sins, and in him, there is no sin. No one who abides in him sins; no one who sins has either seen him or known him.” *(1 John 3:5-6)*_
John’s words are quite straightforward. If we truly claim to know God, we would not give consent to sin at the same time. Knowing a person entails knowing what that person likes or dislikes. Knowing God entails that we do what God likes and avoid what He hates. Hence, John writes: “And by this, we may be sure that we know him if we keep his commandments. He who says ‘I know him’ but disobeys his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” (1 John 2:3-4)
Have I accepted sin as part of my life? Have I lost the sense of sin? Have I given up completely in my personal struggles against temptations? John tells us: “And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” (1 John 3:3) What am I doing to purify myself? What efforts have I made to rid myself of my sins?
God is merciful but His mercy must never be taken for granted. God wants to see your effort. The prodigal son took the first step by attempting to return home. It was when the Father noticed him heading towards the house that he ran to embrace him. God always supports us when he sees our genuine efforts. Never assume that the battle against sin is too difficult or impossible. As the book of Hebrews tells us: “In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.” (Hebrews 12:4)
John in our Gospel passage this morning tells of how John the Baptist gave testimony to Jesus Christ. John the Baptist introduced Jesus to the crowd as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!” How did Jesus take away the sin of the world? By his painful death on the cross having being led like a lamb to its slaughter.
Sin always comes with a heavy price tag. It is like buying things on credit not thinking about the cost. The ultimate gain of sin is death which begins by severing our relationship with God. The good news is that you are still alive. Start making small steps in the right direction, return to the Father and He will give you the power to live right.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, I realize the damage my sins have caused, accept me back and give me a new heart. Amen
Happy New Year. Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Thursday of Christmastide. Bible Study: 1st John 2:29-3:6, Psalm 98, and John 1:29-34).
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