Sorrow for Sin

We all fail Jesus daily. Despite being named as Christians, we, again and again, veer from the path of Christ-like behavior. This is a fact we would like to brush under the rug. Nevertheless, it is true. We view things we shouldn’t, say words we shouldn’t and don’t act as demonstrated by Scripture. We desire earthly things and fleshly pleasures.

Our Lord demonstrated his holy fortitude in the face of Satan’s temptations. Jesus rebuked his challenges in the name of the Father. He teaches us a valuable lesson regarding the management of sin. He stands as its Conqueror.

We, however, remain weak in the face of Satan’s wiles. Our guilt over our failings lessens as we are comforted by Christ. We are taught that our heartfelt repentance is forgiven by Christ’s grace. We are born anew, our sin washed away. Jesus confirms this cleansing during the last supper:

Matthew 26:28 KJV

For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Jesus knows the secrets of our hearts. He recognizes our willful nature and what drives it. We are told to turn away from it and to move toward his redeeming grace. Yet still, we inevitably fall from that grace. Sin is the direct result of disobedience, yet we continue in it. This creates, in a repentant soul, a sense of dismay.

The Apostle Paul tells us of his own struggle with a naturally sinful nature:

Romans 7:15 KJV

For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

This confession comforts us. For even Jesus’ holy disciples struggled with sin!

Let’s hold closely the words

of that old familiar hymn:

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost, but now I’m found

Was blind, but now I see

-Melanie DiLeo