As I ponder on what to write, I felt I am not worthy to write about sin, primarily because I am a sinner myself. But who is not a sinner? On the other hand, maybe because I am a sinner, it would be easier to write about this topic, based on my battle against sin, or being enslaved by it.

 

What is man’s sinful nature? Galatians 5:19-21 is very clear on this: “The acts of sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like…” I am sure, you would agree, that we see these and encounter these everyday in our lives. We just do not seem to notice them coming… happening… and before we know it, we have sinned.

 

Being a sinner myself, I would rather make my own weakness as an example rather than that of others. How many times in the past have I given in to fits of rage? When my children do not obey what I want (of course, it is for their own good, not mine, or maybe at times, it is for the good of everyone), I have this uncontrollable anger within me. I shout at the top of my voice to make them stop, and they would.

 

But afterwards, each of us would harbor feelings of hurt, bitterness and sadness. And I and my children could only wish that such incident never happened. As a parent, I feel drained inside and out. I have always prayed for myself that I would have more patience and my children would have more control and not have tantrums. But where have I read it before, where it says that adult anger is actually adults losing control, adults having their own tantrums?

 

My prayers were answered one day when my children were fighting and I heard them screaming outside my room. It would have been very easy to join them in their screaming bout, but somebody must have whispered to me to just pray. I prayed that they stop; I prayed that I don’t lose my patience; I prayed that Mother Mary give me her mantle of protection so that I would not fall into sin. Happily, it has been like that ever since… for most of the times, at least.

 

In our own families, the verse in Galatians 6:2: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” is sure to ease any strain in our relationships with one another, not only with our children but spouses as well.

 

Moreover, we should always ask the Holy Spirit to dwell in us; we should pray to God to keep us away from sin; and for Mother Mary to always intercede for us so that we are strong against temptation.

 

Let us be aware of what the Bible says in Galatians 6:8-10: “The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers.”

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