I don't know about you, but the word "venial" is not common in my conversations or vocabulary. This word was listed in the dictionary when I looked up the word "breach" from our last scripture. It was listed under the thesaurus section as "venial sin". My mind was intrigued, so I looked it up. Here is the meaning:
1. Warrenting only temporal punishment
2. Easily excused or forgiven
3. Pardon, grace, favor, kindness
4. A sin which weakens but does not wholly destroy, santifying grace, as do mortal or deadly sins
I'm amazed at so many aspects of this. I was so awe struck to see how many Biblical scripture references (Chapter & verse) were listed by Webster in the various definations of "breach". We forget our entire existance is 'defined' by God & His Holy Word. Webster knew that still applies in 1913, and now in 2011.
Another point of amazement is this defination of venial. First let me say this: I never want to make light of sin. I know all too well the devastation that comes as a consequence of our sins. I've reaped both my own & those committed against me by others. Both have left scars that will always be painful reminders against my Lord. My very sins cost God His son on a cross. That's an image I can hardly bear sometimes. Regret is agonizing. . .
BUT often we forget just how easy forgiveness is. It did not come cheep, but it is free. We are easily forgiven & restored. Just for the asking with a broken & contrite spirit.
The devil would make us believe we are not worthy. That we cannot be made whole again. That we've done too much, gone too far to ever come back. These are lies. The only unforgiveable sin is unbelief. Period. All others are "venial" to Jesus- easily forgiven.
Don't let the enemy of your soul convince you otherwise. Accept the pardon, grace, favor & kindness of Jesus today.
"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."
~John 3:17~
“Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert." ~Is 43:18-19~
