All sorts of people attend church services on religious holidays. Perhaps you do too? Do you go because that’s what’s expected, because people expect you to? Or do you go because it’s what you believe in?

I know a story in the Bible about two very different men. They go to the temple. One goes there because he wants to please God. He knows all His commandments and they are very important to him. He prays regularly. The second man is quite different. He feels guilty. Perhaps he is dishonest or a cheat. He calls himself a sinner! What do you think God thinks of the two of them?

The first is proud and pleased with himself. The second is broken and humble. Before God, all people are sinners. No one is perfect. The second man has realised this. He knows that he needs God’s help and forgiveness, which is why he prays: ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

Luke 18,13

God loves repentant sinners! Everyone is welcome to come to him.

Bible passage on this topic: Luke 18,9-17