Listen

Therefore, let’s draw near with a genuine heart with the certainty that our faith gives us, since our hearts are sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies are washed with pure water.

Let’s hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, because the one who made the promises is reliable.

Hebrews 10:22-23

Think

In the Episcopal Church, where I am a priest, I sometimes hear people’s confessions. They talk to me about the things they regret or feel ashamed of, and I pray with them for God’s forgiveness and remind them of God’s love.

Of course, they don’t need me as a middleperson for God to forgive their sins. But it can be a very powerful thing to have another human look you in the eyes and tell you that God still loves you, and your sins have no power over you anymore.

The letter to the Hebrews in the New Testament is written to show this. It’s all about encouraging believers to keep the faith — and reminding us that when we show God’s love to each other, we are also showing our love for God.

Catherine Healy

Question to Ponder:

What do you think it takes for God to forgive your sins?

Pray

God, I know that you are reliable, and you always keep your promises.

Please forgive me for…

Give me a genuine heart to trust in your forgiveness. Amen.

Go

If God is for us, who is against us?

Romans 8:31b