Mistakes, errors, shortcomings. Sin. They are all part and parcel of the human lot. That is the tragedy of being human. But because man possesses reason and freewill, mistakes can be corrected; errors can be rectified, shortcomings can be set right and sins can be forgiven. That is the glory of being human.
The glory of man is not only being able to recover from his errors and sin but even more so in being able to avoid them, to do good instead, and never be the occasion or the cause of sinning in others. Indeed, sin is inevitable but let me not be the cause of it.
And when sin happens, I shall pray that I will have the faith, courage and strength to forgive – seventy time seven times. And If I have sinned, I shall pray for the humility, courage and strength to ask for forgiveness.
These all seem some pious scribblings and yet if we just had more forgiveness and more genuine efforts to avoid and remedy sin, ours will be a brighter, better and a more beautiful world. Forgiveness is the balm of all relationships.
Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
~Psalm 24
Jesus said to his disciples,
“Things that cause sin will inevitably occur,
but woe to the one through whom they occur.
It would be better for him if a millstone were put around his neck
and he be thrown into the sea
than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin.
Be on your guard!
If your brother sins, rebuke him;
and if he repents, forgive him.
And if he wrongs you seven times in one day
and returns to you seven times saying, ‘I am sorry,’
you should forgive him.”
Luke 17:1-4