Necessity of Faith and Forgiveness

"Secret sins commonly lie nearest the heart."  - Thomas Brooks

There are three basic topics which Jesus taught. We can categorize these as: the nature of man, how he relates to others (relationships), and aspects regarding the faith life. Luke 17:1-12 offers us wonderful insight on these.

Reasons to sin, or stumble as some Bible versions use, are difficult to avoid. Think about this in your own life. The opportunity is always there. As Jesus declares to his disciples in Luke 17:1, "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come."

Perhaps nowhere is this more significant than when you present this with man's (our) power to choose. This sets us considerately apart from other life forms here on earth; essentially making us moral, or ethical beings. Nothing else here on God's creation is as directly affected by sin as we are.

Of course, having the ability to choose assumes that there must be choices. And it is this ability, power, or right to choose that carries with it the risk of sin. Therefore, we must be aware that the possibility of sin lies in anything of God's creation. We must be on guard against any stumbling blocks that may appear.

If we take the above to heart, then we must also consider how this affects our relationships with one another. Given that opportunities to sin surround us, we must call our attention to a few things. First, each Christian must be ever vigilant to forgive, or ask for forgiveness when sin occurs. Secondly, citing Matthew 7:12, "in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you."

Also, as Christians we must always set a good example for others; steering them in the right direction; allowing faith to lead the way, in effect, minimizing the possibility to sin. We do this not only because of the threat of punishment (Luke 17:2), but because we all know the fate of anyone who dies in a corrupt relationship with God.

Luke 17:3-4 highlights the responsibility of forgiveness. We must pay attention not only to ourselves, but to others, as well. Jesus strongly warned the disciples on this point. If we see sin happening in another's life, we should bring it to their attention, maybe even more than once. However, we must be careful as to whether we are looking at sin subjectively, or truly as God defined it.

How is your faith as of today? Are you entertaining any thoughts of giving it up? Throwing in the towel? Maybe you've been thinking along the lines of the apostles: I need more faith (an extra dose) Luke 17:5! If so, don't expect an extra supply coming coming anytime soon.

Notice in Luke 17:6, that Jesus immediately instructed them that even the smallest amount of faith could perform the impossible. Pressing this further, he reminded them that even if they comply with everything they were told, they were merely doing what was expected of them (Luke 17:7-10). There was no basis to ask for any special favor. Thus, has the character of the faith life always been.

Scripture: 1 John 3:4; Ezekiel 18:4; Hebrews 10:26-27; Matthew 24:13; 2 Peter 3:18

Prayer: Dear Lord, if we say that we have no sin, we only deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. Help me to always be honest and open about sin; and to pray for forgiveness whether committed by myself or another, amen.

Have a blessed day,

Lori