Last autumn our computer caught a virus. We had previously installed spyware but this virus had still somehow taken hold. It was really annoying and we couldn’t seem to get rid of it. A window would pop up every time we went onto e-mail. It asked us to click on a tab to ‘fix issues’ with our computer and, of course, down the line payment was requested.

We then had to follow a set of instructions in order to remove the window temporarily whilewe checked our mail. All in all, it was bad news. Apparently these viruses can spread quickly.

In frustration we telephoned our helpline and followed their instructions on how to rid the computer of the virus. After little success we were advised to take our computer in to be ‘wiped clean’. We were told it had to be taken back to factory condition, so we should save any important information on to a memory stick. Eventually we got the computer cleaned up and relaunched.

It’s rather like that with sin. Selfishness spoils our lives and causes untold damage. It keeps rearing its ugly head just when we think we have everything under control. The Bible says we have all ‘messed up’ in His eyes and have fallen short of God’s standard. However, He has provided a wonderful remedy which enables us to have our slate wiped clean.

The blood that Jesus Christ shed when he died on the cross can cleanse us and ‘relaunch’ us. He sacrificed himself all those years ago so that we may no longer be slaves to sin but instead receive his love and forgiveness, be filled with His Spirit, and find a real purpose for living... Now that is good news – and worth spreading!