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Ever notice when somebody sins or falls
short in an area that we relate to,
we're quick to give thanks that Jesus'
blood covers all our sins! But if that
person happens to fail in an area where
we're strong, often our first
inclination is to feel morally superior
and want to deny them the blood's
cleansing power. Sin affects each of us
differently according to our background
and disposition. But regardless of the
symptoms it's the same disease, and
there's only one remedy; the blood of
Jesus. Without that we're all in
trouble; black, white, rich, poor,
homosexual, heterosexual, drug addict
and alcoholic alike. Jesus' blood is the
only thing that makes forgiveness and a
clean slate possible, regardless of what
we've done. The Bible says that Jesus
'...created...a fresh start for
everybody...through His death...Christ
came and preached peace to...outsiders
and...insiders...treated us as
equals...Through Him we...have equal
access to the Father...You belong here,
with as much right to the name Christian
as anyone...He's using us all -
irrespective of how we got
here...'(Ephesians 2:15-20 TM). Don't
for a second think that you have
unlimited access to God's mercy and
forgiveness, then deny that same access
to your brother and sister in Christ!
The Bible says, '...If someone falls
into sin, forgivingly restore him,
saving your critical comments for
yourself.' Why? Because, 'You might be
needing forgiveness before the day's
out' (Galatians 6:1 TM). In other words,
don't burn the bridge you yourself might
need to cross some day. If you're
secretly harboring a condescending
attitude about somebody else's failures
today, you need to repent and allow the
blood of Jesus to cleanse you. |