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 “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a
stone at her.” - John 8: 7
This unity has obvious theological implications for us but we will
explore those later. Today, it is my hope that you will remember
that all of us fall short in our lives and each of us hurts our
loved ones on occasion. As you gather around the Thanksgiving table
on Thursday with your family and all of its attendant issues,
arguments and history, I hope you will be able to step back for a
moment and remember that whatever water has passed under your
family’s bridge in the past, now is a time to celebrate the fact
that—through thick and thin—you are still together. While this week
you might be offered the occasion to remember all the great things
about yourself and all the crummy things about your family, I hope
that for one day you will be able to release any wrongs you have
experienced and in the same manner ask forgiveness for your
shortcomings. The great gift of sin is that when we remember that
all of us sin and fall short of the glory of God we are allowed to
offer forgiveness and grace with renewed hope. So give thanks for
sin that on this count at least we are all equals.
Prayer: Holy God, I am a sinner. Help me to see the failings in my
own life and to forgive the shortcomings of those around me. I ask
this in the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.
[ Phil Blackburn,Minister of First
Presbyterian Church, Lincoln] |
