I saw a story on the news of people forming a chain with their arms to save a child stuck in a river. Their thoughtless bravery ended up saving the child, but just think how easily they could have been swept away. Sin is not so different from a raging river, and the temptations are very real, as we all know. As with this story, with the right people around you and a clear goal in mind, even the strongest of rivers is no match for a faithful community.
And we pray:
I am a sinner, my Lord. Forgive me for my weaknesses and help me to forgive the trespasses of others against me. These repressed thoughts are sins themselves, and I ask that you instill a calmness in my heart, knowing that you will always be there for me. Your grace will never be forgotten, my Lord, nor the sacrifices of your son to absolve me of my sins. Amen.
Forgive us the wrongs we have done, as we forgive the wrongs that others have done to us. Matthew 6:12 (GNT)