SALVATION IN OUR NEIGHBOR
Sirach 28:2-3
Forgive a wrong done you by your neighbor;
Then your sins will be pardoned when you pray.
Can a man preserve wrath against his neighbor
And still seek healing from the Lord?
Personal Challenge
John Donne once made the statement that no man is an island. The scriptures have been teaching this from their very beginning. None of us can survive in this physical, mortal life without others being a part of our existence and very essence. Even in our Eastern Orthodox tradition, we are taught that we can only be truly saved in our community of fellow believers. Living in unity with those around us includes forgiveness of those in our lives who have offended us, whether intentionally or unintentionally, Our sins cannot be fully released in our lives unless we do so. Not that God's power to forgive sins is limited, but that if we cannot humble ourselves to the point of forgiving our neighbor we will not be able to humble ourselves enough to fully receive the forgiveness of our loving God. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner!
No comments:
Post a Comment