Daily Bible Reflections - January 22,2013

AN OVERLOAD OF GUILT

 

God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love you have demonstrated for his name by having served and continuing to serve the holy ones. – Hebrews 6:10

 

       I could sense she was distraught just from her text message.

She told me her story as soon as we sat down. She was burdened by heavy personal problems and her spiritual disciplines, instead being a source of refreshment, only served to weigh her down even more. Attending prayer meetings had become an obligation because she feared the judgment of others if she didn’t show up. She kept a list of her debt to the Lord in the form of tithes she had not been able to turn over because of her financial woes. She felt that if she didn’t continue with her spiritual obligations, the Lord would stop blessing her. But I knew she loved the Lord sincerely.

I felt sorry for her. She was carrying a load we were not meant to bear. She was weighed down by Pharisaism.

I assured her that our God was not a cosmic potbellied policeman ready to whack us with a club for every misdemeanor. Our God is the Prodigal Father in the Parable of the Lost Son. He is the One who runs to us with open arms and clothes us with His robes even if we have sinned.

Even if our own hearts make us feel guilty, God is infinitely greater than our hearts, and He knows everything (1 John 3:19-20). Rissa Singson-Kawpeng (justbreatherissa@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: There is nothing you can do that will make God love you less.

 

Lord, correct my image of You. Amen.

 

St. Vincent, deacon and martyr, pray for us.