Temptation

Following on from yesterday’s blog on original sin, today’s deals with temptation, a subject which perhaps receives rather little attention in these self-indulgent times, but a very appropriate one for Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.

Temptation

* Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect (Matthew 5:48; NIV).
* Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil (Luke 4:1-2; NIV).
* For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet he did not sin (Hebrews 4:15; NIV).
* I said, “Have mercy on me, LORD; heal me, for I have sinned against you”(Psalm 41:4; NIV).

Father,
You are perfect –
You are never even
Tempted to sin.

Jesus,
You are sinless –
You were tempted,
But you overcame temptation.

Me?
I’m weak and sinful –
When I’m tempted,
I nearly always give way.

Lord,
I’m sorry
My sins offend you,
And hurt others.

Have mercy on me,
Forgive me,
Strengthen me,
And help me to resist temptation.