October 11, 2007 - Acts 2:38a.

“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.’” Acts 2:38a.
The forth word or phrase that will be discussed from this verse is “the forgiveness of your sins.” It was easy for Peter to help his audience understand that they had a need to have their sins forgiven. The culture that he was speaking to was deeply entrenched in an understanding of the concept of sin and the need for cleansing and forgiveness from them. And, besides, Peter had, just before this, pointed out how everyone in his audience that day had been guilty of killing Jesus. However, in our current culture, forgiveness of sins doesn’t carry quite the same power. In fact, most non-church-goers or non-religious people find that there are stigmas associated with the concept.
I recently read something that helped give me another handle on the concept of sin and our need for forgiveness from sin. The author talked about how people treat each other in “anti-human” ways or in ways that de-humanize others. To me, this is a consequence of our “sinful” actions towards one another, and it separates us from one another and from ourselves. When I act in an “anti-human” manner towards someone else, I am actually treating myself in an “anti-human” manner. I am separating myself from others in a destructive way. When I say that I am sorry to the appropriate person and/or to God, I am seeking to restore our humanity and our relationship. Life, it seems to me, is about relationships, connected-ness, restoration, and learning how to be fully human with others, with God, and with ourselves.
How do you view “the forgiveness of your sins”? Is this a concept that just shows up on a Sunday morning in your church service, or is it something that you experience more often, perhaps even daily or more, as needed? I also would like for us to consider that forgiveness is something that we can feel really good about. I do not need to have a sad and sullen look on my face. Instead, I have the opportunity and privilege to turn away from my “anti-human” behavior.
It is my hope that we take a hard look at this concept. Take some time today to reflect on the affects of sin in our lives and the opportunity to seek and receive forgiveness from God and others, as well as from ourselves.