Living in the Spirit

October 26, 2022

Scripture Reading: Psalm 32:1-7
Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven,
   whose sin is covered.
Happy are those to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity,
   and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

While I kept silence, my body wasted away
   through my groaning all day long.
For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
   my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.

Then I acknowledged my sin to you,
   and I did not hide my iniquity;
I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord’,
   and you forgave the guilt of my sin.

Therefore let all who are faithful
   offer prayer to you;
at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters
   shall not reach them.
You are a hiding-place for me;
   you preserve me from trouble;
   you surround me with glad cries of deliverance.

Sin is a transgression of religious law: an offense against God*.

Sin is missing the mark. who are always being instructed and can never arrive at a knowledge of the truth. (II Timothy 3:7)

Sin is being separated from God.

Sin is A condition of dreadful estrangement from God, the sole source of well-being**.

*https://unabridged.merriam-webster.com/unabridged/sin

**The Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible, page 361

Most people of faith in God may consider sin as the dictionary describes it breaking religious laws. We get more serious about missing the mark or being separated from God. But I had never considered sin as dreadful estrangement from God who is the sole source of well-being. That just makes me want to cry. God wants the very best for all of God’s children as the sole source of well-being. That is something to meditate about.

Prayer: Lord, help us recognize your love in our lives and know you as our source of well-being. Protect us from those who try to divide us from your love. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.