We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ
so that sin might lose its power in our lives.
We are no longer slaves to sin.
Romans 6:6 (NLT)
Sin isn't a popular word these days. People don't want to be categorized or condemned about any aspect of their behavior, but all we have to do is look around and see the things happening in the world to realize that sin is a reality.
Sin is destructive - destructive to our lives in the form of addictions and negative behavior and destructive to our relationships in the form of hurtful words and actions. We don't love ourselves and others as we should.
It doesn't take long to realize that we are prisoners of our sinful nature. God, in his great mercy and love, being very much aware of our condition, devised a plan to set us free.
There, upon the cross, Jesus took upon himself the weight of our sin. All of the pain we have caused to ourselves and others fell upon him. This is a great mystery, but, if we, by faith, see ourselves dying in him and with him on that cross, we are set free.
There are still the residual effects of sin in our lives and our feelings often don't agree, but we are declared to be righteous before God because of our faith in Jesus. From this position of acceptance, we can continue to grow in goodness and love. Just as the prickly old cactus sprouts beautiful flowers, so our lives can sprout the good things that bring joy instead of destruction - all because of the Cross.
