Sin No More

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031316-fifth-sunday-lent.cfm) reminds me that as God forgives us, we should do our best to sin no more. 

The gospel shows the story of the woman caught in adultery. According to the law such sin is punishable by death. Jesus did not explicitly save the woman by telling the people they should forgive, rather he made them look at themselves. He told them that the one without sin cast the first stone. Good thing people were honest, and went away, knowing that they all sin, just like the woman. 

God's forgiveness is not an excuse to keep on committing sin. 

After Jesus has forgiven the woman, he did not just send her away. He told her to sin no more. He wants the woman to change her ways. God's forgiveness should not be abused. We should not think that it is okay to sin, anyway God will always forgive us, because if this is our mindset, we are not really serious on asking God's forgiveness. 

Forgiveness should lead to repentance. 

God forgives us not so we can go back to our old ways of sin. God forgives us so we can be right with him again. So we can start anew. As God forgives us, we should repent and live right. That is the best form of thanking him. And that is the only way we will remain close to Him. 

May we be encouraged to come to God for forgiveness, and as we do, may we do our best to live right and sin no more. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I act like the people - quick to judge the sins of others without realizing I have a lot of sins as well. Sorry for the times I abuse your forgiveness. Lord, I humble myself and come to you to ask for forgiveness for my sins. I am sorry for hurting you. I am sorry for choosing myself, for choosing pleasure over you. Forgive me, Lord. And I ask for guidance and protection to help me love right. Help me live in a way pleasing to you. Amen. 

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps

See related reflections:
http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2015/03/stay-clean.html 
http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2014/04/sin-no-more.html