God Loves the Sinner

Reflection 69 from Matters of the Heart, a series of Orthodox reflections on faith and life.

Verse: ‘But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’ – Romans 5:8

See Also

Psalm 50 (51): 18-21

One of the greatest deceptions of the evil one is to try and convince each of us that our God is unsympathetic towards the sinner, standing afar off and looking down upon each of us in judgment.

This idea the deceiver implants within us especially in times remorse, when we have wronged our Lord and in weakness sinned against Him. For how, the devil reasons, could the all Holy God be in the midst of such a sinner when our sinful actions He abhors?

One should not fall for such deceit. For the devil is trying to mask just how present the Lord is so that we may lose all hope and be cast into despair. Regardless of our sinfulness, and how putrid we judge ourselves to be, we need not condemn ourselves and flee from God, but rather plead for the Lord’s mercy ever the more, knowing that the Lord is near to those who call on Him.

Prayer

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your great mercy. Psalm 50 (51):1

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