>When one is raised in the context of regular corporate worship and daily family devotions, it becomes all too easy to think about sin in a vague way and simply pray, “Forgive our sins,” without being struck by the serious nature of each personal sin.

Some years ago, I realized that genuine repentance can occur only after recognizing the sin in one’s life. I’ve made it my practice to pray that I and my family members will recognize and repent from our sins. Recently that prayer’s being answered in new ways and I find it a far from comfortable feeling.

Nearly every time I think critically about a fault of some other person, the Lord brings to my mind a way in which I commit the very same sin.

It’s a humbling experience.