Chrysostom
Humble Servant of All
You ask for forgiveness of all your sins. This is a good and necessary desire, but it must not remain a vague wish. The danger is that you simply say, "Forgive me," without truly knowing what you have done. Bring your sins to mind, one by one. Examine your life honestly. When you yourself have offended but refuse to know the very fact that you have sinned, how can you ask pardon of God? Tell your offenses in particular, so that you may learn what you are receiving forgiveness for, and become grateful to your Benefactor.
Do not think that any outward act can wash away guilt while your heart clings to sin. Washing the body profits nothing if the soul is corrupted by greed, lust, or bitterness. God seeks purity of heart. A clean heart is what you must ask Him to create in you.
Yet do not despair, even if your sins are many and grievous. Despair destroys more than the sins themselves. There is repentance, and it has great force. Though there is no second baptism, repentance can set free even one who has fallen into the very depth of wickedness. After the laver, forgiveness remains open to those who truly repent. The Lord taught us to pray daily, "Forgive us our debts," knowing that we would stumble. His mercy surpasses our imagination.
The foundation of all pardon is the blood of Christ. This is a greater gift than anything else: that the Son of God should shed His blood for you. Do not trample on that grace by repeating your sins without a struggle. Instead, bring forth fruits worthy of repentance: a changed life, a humble heart, and a readiness to forgive others as you seek forgiveness. Then, with confidence in His mercy, you may draw near and receive the remission you long for.
Do not think that any outward act can wash away guilt while your heart clings to sin. Washing the body profits nothing if the soul is corrupted by greed, lust, or bitterness. God seeks purity of heart. A clean heart is what you must ask Him to create in you.
Yet do not despair, even if your sins are many and grievous. Despair destroys more than the sins themselves. There is repentance, and it has great force. Though there is no second baptism, repentance can set free even one who has fallen into the very depth of wickedness. After the laver, forgiveness remains open to those who truly repent. The Lord taught us to pray daily, "Forgive us our debts," knowing that we would stumble. His mercy surpasses our imagination.
The foundation of all pardon is the blood of Christ. This is a greater gift than anything else: that the Son of God should shed His blood for you. Do not trample on that grace by repeating your sins without a struggle. Instead, bring forth fruits worthy of repentance: a changed life, a humble heart, and a readiness to forgive others as you seek forgiveness. Then, with confidence in His mercy, you may draw near and receive the remission you long for.
