Bible Readings: 2 Peter 2:4-22; Psalm 55:15-19 If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and are overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them. Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed returns to her wallowing in the mud.” 2 Peter 2:20-22 As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Psalm 55:16 “I am only human.” “I can’t help myself.” How often have we heard that from others or maybe even have even convinced ourselves. It is an easy way to explain why we keep doing the things we know are not right or good and why we fail to learn from mistakes – “as a dog returns to its vomit”. And it is easier to be the victim in a court of justice. But God has not left us as helpless animals, abandoned to our own sinful nature. This is the Gospel, the good news! “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57 We are completely without excuse and no longer the victim. We are given everything we need for a life that overcomes, a life of victory, in Jesus Christ. Once we have tasted freedom and new life in Christ, to return to a life of slavery to sin and selfishness, is the greatest tragedy of all! Heavenly Father, thank you for your love that has rescued me. You didn’t look at me and see someone who was beyond help and worthless. You saw me and you loved me! Help me to understand that kind of love more and more! May sin become a bitter taste to me that I refuse. By your grace, Amen.