We all try to save our faces by claiming before men that we are good. This attitude may not win the favored grace that we need everyday from the hands of God. Solomon warns those who hide their sinfulness, to accept their true nature before God: “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy” (Prov 28:13). Tendency to hide our sinfulness began right at the Garden of Eden, and still continues to be in the nature of mankind. John the apostle, who had the privilege of living with the incarnation of the Truth Himself, invites us to admit our true selves: “If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth” (1 Jn 1:8). As the Father searched for the hiding first parents, so also His Son, our Savior who paid the price of our redemption, searches for us to release us from the captivity of sin, and share the needed mercy: “I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent” (Lk 5:32). May we humble ourselves before God, and receive pardon, peace and healing, that He wants to bestow on us. 

Abba, thank You for searching for us, to shower Your grace of mercy. Let Your Spirit help us listen to Your voice and reach us close to you, in Jesus’ Most Merciful Name, Amen.