June 9, 2021

Recidivistic behavior is not breaking news. Or at least, it shouldn’t be. We sin because we are sinners. As we read in the 39 Articles (Anglicanism’s primary theological document) “this infection of nature doth remain, yea in them that are regenerated.”

Here’s the bible’s take: “If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.” (1 John 1:8)

What to do about it? Repentance is always a good answer. And so too it forgiving others for who they are. And forgiving ourselves for who we are. When we do that, we are deep in the heart and character of God.

“O Lord, mercifully receive the prayers of your people who call upon you, and grant that they may know and understand what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to accomplish them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” (Proper 10 – BCP)