OCR Text |
Show COME men are kept from sin be cause of the fear of punishment. But the earnest Christian abhors sin because it offends the goodness ol God. The more we think of God ai a kind and ever-devoted Father, the more does sin become revealed for what it really is an act of treachery and ingratitude. Not only do we grow in determination nevei to offend God, but we strive to do good for Hli sake. We keep trying to pattern our Uvea as closely as possible to that of Christ Himself. At times, however, even the most upright may fall into sin. Remorse shakes the sinner as It did St. Pete, who truly loved his Master, yet thrice denied Him. But even In the depths of his self-condemnation, St. Peter did not lose his faith in God's unquenchable love. He made a new start which was all that was asked of him. Peter kept the memory of his defection, but only that he might be on guard against falling into sin again. All who sin and repent should likewise be content that the present finds them restored to the friendship of God. If the sinner thinks of the future It should only be to pray for strength and courage cour-age to keep doing whatever God wills. |