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TODAY’S WORD…

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If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves,

and the truth is not in us.

If we confess our sins,

He who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins

and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

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– 1 John 1:8-9 (NRSV)

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REFLECTION…

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If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.

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Jesus Himself gave examples of thoughts or emotions

which, when they occur, we should immediately dismiss from our minds:

“…evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder,

adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit,

eagerness for lustful pleasure, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness.

All these vile things come from within;

they are what defile you and make you unacceptable to God." (Mk 7:20-23)

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When we allow ourselves to linger over such thoughts and feelings, we are already sinning.

Moreover, we will be leading ourselves to the next very serious step of actually acting out these emotions.

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As we contemplate on Jesus’ counselling words,

can we still claim that we have no sin?

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REPETITIVE PRAYER FOR TODAY…

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Faithful and just Lord, I am sorry.

Please forgive me my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness.

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