Sin against the Holy Spirit

“Truly, I say to you, all the sins and blasphemies that people pronounce will be forgiven. Anyone who swears against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin. "Mark 3: 28-29

This is a scary thought. Normally when we talk about sin we quickly focus on God's mercy and His abundant desire to forgive. But in this passage we have something that may at first appear quite contrary to God's mercy. Is it true that some sins will not be forgiven by God? The answer is yes and no.

This passage reveals to us that there is a particular sin, the sin against the Holy Spirit, which will not be forgiven. What is this sin? Why shouldn't he be forgiven? Traditionally, this sin has been viewed as a sin of final impenitence or presumption. It is the situation where someone sins seriously and then fails to feel any pain for that sin or simply assumes God's mercy without truly repenting. In any case, this lack of pain closes the door to God's mercy.

Of course it must also be said that every time a person's heart is changed, and grows in sincere pain for sin, God is there to immediately welcome that person with open arms. God would never turn away from someone who humbly returns to Him with a contrite heart.

Reflect today on God's abundant mercy, but also reflect on your duty to foster true pain for sin. Do your part and you will be assured that God will lavish His mercy and forgiveness on you. There is no sin too great when we have hearts that are humble and contrite.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy on me a sinner. I recognize my sin and feel sorry for it. Help me, dear Lord, to continually cultivate in my heart a greater pain for sin and a deeper trust in your divine mercy. I thank you for your perfect and inevitable love for me and for everyone. Jesus I believe in you.