Scripture

“Everyone who commits sin is guilty of lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.” 1 John 3:4

Reflections

Do you like being told what to do?

The Ten Commandments give us guidelines for how to live; what to do and what not to do.  Each of them were given to us for our own best interests.  When we do not abide by them, things do not go well for us.

God gave us the law out of his great love for us.  He knows that without the law, we will quickly get ourselves into trouble.  Thus, we see the goodness of God in it.  We celebrate it because it protects us.

Still, there are some who live in a constant state of rebellion, fighting against anybody telling them what to do.  They may talk about their “rights” or “freedoms”, but there’s little regard for anyone but themselves.  This is does not lead to anywhere good.

As weak human beings, each of us have our moments when we sin.  We are left convicted of lawlessness.  Yet, we are still beloved children of God.  His love never gives up on us.  We turn to him and repent.  We place our hope in Christ Jesus and he purifies us of our sin.  We live as forgiven sinners.

God gives us the law out of love.  Each of us inevitably transgresses it.  But this does not change the essential nature of God.  God is love.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for the gift of the law.  Help me to abide by it.  Help me to turn to you when I transgress it.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: 1 John 3:4-10