Sin - Separation - Reconciliation

Acts 3:19: “Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out” (NRSV) 

In a confluence of discussions recently, the topic of sin came up. First, we were talking about it in our confirmation class. And then in an informal discussion following worship. And then in an email response to our electronic Bible study.  This verse from Acts is part of the scripture for the Third Sunday of Easter. It seemed like a good jumping off point for this discussion. 

           In our tradition, we broadly define sin as separation. Sins are those actions which separate us from God, from neighbor, and from our own best selves. The severity we assign certain acts may result in human punishments and should. But they also can be sorted into a separation from God, neighbor, our best selves. Even the most heinous acts create separations between individuals and communities. 

           In our tradition, our worship always includes a corporate prayer of confession, with a moment of silence for people to have their private conversations with the Creator. We know that we sin, we separate ourselves from God, neighbor, and our best selves, individually and in our communal actions. 

           The separations we experience can be very painful. We hurt one another, God and our communities, with sins of commission and omission. That is to say that sometimes we do things we know are wrong, that separate us from one another, and sometimes the separation comes from things we don’t do.  

           For example: We may say out loud that someone is not welcome. And we may just not invite all of God’s children to come and experience God’s love and grace. One is an act, and one is a failure to act. Both cause separation. Separation from who God calls us to be, from our neighbors, and our best selves. 

           Peter’s sermon in this wider Acts passage points out how people’s ignorance, (failure to act) and their actions led to Jesus’ crucifixion. Peter goes on to call the people to repent and turn to God to so that their sins may be wiped out.  Repentance, turning to God and admitting our sin, is the bridge to reconciliation, the bridge across the separation. We find that bridge in Jesus. 

           As humans we can get caught up in judging the severity of the separation. God seems more interested in bridging the separation, bringing us closer to God, our neighbors, and our best selves. 

           As we live in this Easter season, still singing Christ is Risen, may we look to bridge the separations in our lives. When we repent and turn to God, we are forgiven! In our tradition, we never pray our prayer of confession without being reminded that we are forgiven.  

           May you find and own the forgiveness offered and bridge the separations in your life - and be reconciled to God, neighbor, and to your best self. 

Peace,

David