CLOTHE THE NAKED & ADMONISH THE SINNER


CLOTHE THE NAKED

When God created Adam and Eve, they were naked but that nakedness was not revealed to them because they were pure. Once, they committed sin their eyes were opened and realized their nakedness. (Gen 3:9) Both of them covered their spiritual nakedness with the cloth of sin, which unclothed their physical nakedness. Today the naked is being sold. The more the body is exposed the more the money is paid. Instead of clothing the unclothing is becoming normal.

Jesus said, "If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also” (Mt 5:40). But in today’s world this dictum is rephrased as ‘unclothe yourselves fully for those who ask you to remove your overcoat.’ Clothing gives dignity to the person. When we are clothed we express that all of us are sinners and clothed with the garment of sin and in need of redemption. This will be achieved only when we become spiritually naked. To be spiritually naked and be unclothed from sin we need Jesus who gave his life on the cross. In order to become spiritually naked we need to refrain ourselves from the garment of sin. Those of us want to unclothe physically first let us strive to unclothe from our sins which in turn hide our eyes from physical nakedness.
Jesus was naked for our sake on the cross. I was naked and you clothed me (). Yes, when we were naked and wearing the garment of sin he clothed us with the garment of his blood. His physical nakedness paid the price of our sinful clothes. Today, as followers of Jesus what we can do is we have to become spiritually naked, by abstaining from sin. Let us put off the garment of sin and put on the garment of salvation.


ADMONISH THE SINNER

The greatest story that ever told in the history of the world is the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). The father is waiting for his son to return home. When he comes back the father does not reminds him of the past deeds or actions that the son had done rather admonishes and welcomes him. The new life begins. We were sinners and in need of saviour. God who is rich in mercy sent his only Son not to condemn but to save the world. Jesus came to this world to die for us. Even the owner of the world Himself is merciful to us to the extent of sacrificing his only son for us, then, who are we to judge others? It is only for God, who alone can judge and who is very merciful and compassionate.

We as humans should be merciful and compassionate to our fellow human beings especially towards the sinners. Because, we are all sinners and in need of God’s grace and mercy for redemption. In order to attain the eternal life leading good life alone is not suffice rather we should help others to live a good life. If possible it would be good to admonish the sinners. Salvation has to be attained by saving the others.


In the parable of the Lost Sheep Jesus tells that that there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who do not need to repent (Luke 15:4-7; Matthew 18:10-14). In this postmodern world many people are in need of God’s Mercy and his acceptance. In this Lenten season can we take first step towards at least one sinner, who is rejected and neglected by others and welcome him/her. Let us become Jesus for each one.

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