Wednesday, July 22
No greater need exists among human beings than the need for forgiveness and reconciliation. To be forgiven is to be set free from the bondage of sin; to be reconciled to God is to live in His presence without fear. That is why our life with God begins in the waters of Baptism where we are washed clean by Word and spirit, forgiven and reconciled forever.
Oh, what joy for those
whose disobedience is forgiven,
whose sin is put out of sight!
Yes, what joy for those
whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt,
whose lives are lived in complete honesty!
When I refused to confess my sin,
my body wasted away,
and I groaned all day long.
Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me.
My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.
Finally, I confessed all my sins to you
and stopped trying to hide my guilt.
I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.”
And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone
. Psalm 32:1-5
Prayer: Thank you Jesus, that, once again, you invite me to acknowledge my sin and receive forgiveness through your death and resurrection. Fill me with your Spirit that I bring your forgiveness to those I encounter today. Amen.
