Forgiveness Equals Life

Whenever I ask a confirmation class, “What does ‘sin’ mean?” their answer is usually “When you do something bad.” They are partially correct. Yes, when we do something bad we sin. But there is another aspect of sin that gets overlooked. When we do not do something good, we also sin. When we do nothing to stop bullying, we are sinning. When we ignore a request for help, we are sinning.

In Ezekiel’s conversation with God, he learns that if he does not warn the house of Israel of their wicked ways, Ezekiel will have sinned because he had done nothing, and he would be held accountable for the death of the house of Israel. On the other hand, if he warns them, then his life will be saved.

But even better news is revealed when God tells Ezekiel that God has no desire for anyone to endure the consequences of sin. God takes “no pleasure in the death of the wicked.” (verse 11) God wants all to turn away from evil ways and live.

Thus God’s conversation with Ezekiel reveals God’s desire for us to turn our lives away from all sin and discover full life with God.

Thank you, God, for taking pleasure in life. Amen. — DBB