Penance

I was talking with someone the other day who could not get over their personal sin that had been committed over 7 years ago. They have yet to forgive themselves for the error of their ways for sins that God says He has long forgotten. So why does this person continue to hold this over their head, and not move on? My question to this person was: "when will you ever pay enough penance for your sins? How much penance is enough? Is penance demanded by God or by you?" This person suggested in so many words that others don't pay enough penance and rely too heavily on the grace and mercy of God.

Maybe we need to take a moment and define the term "penance." What do I mean when I use the word penance. Penance is voluntary self-punishment in order to atone for some wrongdoing. We'll come back to this definition later.

So, this is still my question: "How much penance is enough?" In a personal trial I was recently going through, I have suffered heavily. My family has suffered. My relationships have suffered. I have suffered financially, emotionally, and probably physically as well. But I've been told by some that the penance I have paid is not enough. So my question is: "How much penance must I pay?" Mind you, they were quick to lay it out for me - how much was enough. But with what authority did they demand I pay their prescribed penance?

As I was talking with a different friend regarding my question, he inclined to give me an answer. He said, "Do you want to know how much penance is enough for your sins? Do you want to know when you'll pay enough penance? The answer is: NEVER! You will pay your penance for eternity. You can never pay enough penance to appease God. HOWEVER, there was a man who volunteered to pay your penance for you. All you have to do is believe on Him, and mercy is extended while the justice of God is satisfied."

I will go one step further then my friend and state that we castrate the work of the cross when we believe we must pay our due penance for our past sins. Jesus work on the cross was complete, and lacked nothing. Your atonement has been purchased with His own blood! He paid any penance that was owed! Remember the definition? Penance is "voluntary." It is not mandatory, and certainly not required by God.

Let God determine your penance. When you cry out for mercy as one of His children, He waves your sentence and you may proclaim:

As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12)