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Reflections on the Christian Message
As I’ve confessed on previous occasions, I don’t really think of myself as a Christian, although I was raised by at least one parent who was a reliable Methodist for most of her life.
But I’ve been reflecting on the Christian message recently, and since Christmas is approaching, I suppose there’s no better time of year for this sort of contemplation.
When I think of the overarching message of Christ, three central concepts stand out for me.
1. Forgiveness of Sin
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)
Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. (Proverbs 28:13)
What do we mean by sin?
Perhaps we can best think of it as an error of some kind, possibly based on a mistaken or outdated understanding of a situation, or of the rules we think we should follow.
And why is forgiveness so important?
Well, if we cannot depend on forgiveness, then how can we ever muster the courage to admit that we were wrong?
And if we can never admit we have erred, then how can we ever change?
