Saturday of 2 Lent

Confess

As we reflect upon the virtues of this week, we can recognize from the Word that God is calling us to be remade in the likeness of Christ Jesus. This remaking is a matter of transformation, a purifying of our character, allowing God to burn away that which does not belong, and filling our hearts—our lives—with Him. 

When we are honest, we can admit that we are not always Christlike in our actions. And even when we, on occasion, behave in a manner worthy of Christ, our motives are not always pure.  We may appear gentle, honest, or good, but our hearts are not always in line with our actions.  We can become envious of others, dissatisfied with our place in the walls of the Temple. We allow jealousy to take root in our hearts, holding others in contempt, and ridiculing them behind their back. However, our God is gracious. Through prayer, we can ask God to give us a spirit of gentleness and take away any feelings of self-righteousness. We can ask Him to work His transformation in our hearts, and to reveal ways we can show the virtues of this week to others so that we may reflect Christ’s character.

But it all begins with repentance. We have strayed from His way like lost sheep, following our own devices and desires. When we hold on to those desires, God will not try to overrule us and force Himself upon us. When we humbly admit our need for His grace, He will flood our lives with His love, filling us with His grace and truth. Then the transformation can begin.

So, let us confess our sins, and ask God to begin transforming us into the likeness of His Son Jesus Christ, filling us with the virtues of His character.

Almighty and most merciful Father, we have strayed from your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. O Lord, have mercy on us.  By your grace cleanse and purify us in your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord; and grant, O most merciful Father, for His sake, that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of your holy Name.  Amen.