Sin is anything that separates us from God,  we are all born with a sinful nature and consequently, are subject to transgress at any given time; there are those who categorize  sin…I don’t steal, murder, commit adultery-I might tell a little white lie every now and …“naw, I am not like that”– this reminds me of the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican in Luke chapter 18. “Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.” Luke 18:10-12.

The Pharisee stood self-righteous and so assured that he was in a right standing with God  and his prayers would be heard…but someone once said God don’t like ugly and He sure don’t like pretty! God sees and pierces right through to the very intent of our hearts. “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts.” Proverbs 21:2.

Note that the parable continues and states that the Publican, stood humbled before God, asking for mercy- “And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. ” Luke 18:13.

No…he didn’t look or follow the law like the Pharisee, but that day he went away justified by his faith in God who could have mercy on his soul! “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Luke 18:14.

My friends, we have to be so careful and not consider ourselves above anyone- ready to point out the faults of another. Galatians 6:1 states: “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”

It is only by God’s grace that we aren’t in the same, similar, or even worst predicament than a fallen brother/sister; whatever we have of have acquired, it all can be gone in the matter of seconds…one germ can take us out, one blow to the head, or accidental fall can render us blind, or maimed, one drop in the stock market can leave us penniless…so, whose in control- by whose grace and mercy do we live? Scripture provides the answer over in Lamentations 3:22 “It is of the Lord‘s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.”

May God help us to have an attitude of gratitude…willing to bear the burdens of one another- ready to forgive. learning  to take self- introspection and live with hearts of compassions, love, and forgiveness. It is only by God’s tender mercies that we stand and live day by day.

Blessings and peace for a great day in the Lord!