- Jun 25, 2018
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Yes, I have. I try to remember this, but of course when I read other things about it could be my own sin, my mind wanders I guess.
When your mind wanders know this:
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness". 1 John 1:9
We don't have to go chasing forgiveness for sin... He is faithful and just.
"Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them--do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish." Luke 13:1-5
The perishing Jesus spoke of was of course the second death.
It was common among the Jews to blame tragedy on sin... common among many Christians too. But Jesus says no, that's not the case at all.
As Jesus says, the sun shines and the rain falls on the just and unjust alike. We don't necessarily get special treatment here, sickness and tragedy can befall anyone, saved or not.
Pain has a tendency to effect in us empathy and compassion toward others, and our tribulations in this life work toward our being conformed to the image of Christ. Pain is just a transforming tribulation, like any other. It draws us close to Christ, gives us time to learn, and allows us to be loving, compassionate people toward others who may suffer.
And in a dying world, this ability is a real need.
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