During this time of COVID-19, we are all being reminded to wash our hands well. This pleading by those who are trying to keep the general population safe reminds me of an experiment we Registered Nurse students had to do when I was in training.

Our class was put into groups and assigned to go to different primary schools. Each group had to choose who would teach good hygiene, and who would perform the experiment. My group's class of children was most attentive as we taught good hand washing and why. The children's teacher remained in the class to evaluate the nursing students.

When the lesson on hand washing was finished, a small amount of liquid soap was put on each pair of hands. The children were told to go to the sinks in the bathroom and scrub their hands really well, dry on a paper towel and come back to class. Two of our students went with the children to encourage good hand washing.

The children came back to class when they were positive that they had all the soap cleaned off their hands. When all the children were in their seats, we had them come up to the front one at a time so that they could see what was still on their hands. The soap had a fluorescent factor in it that could not be seen with the naked eye, and we had ultraviolet lights that would make it glow on their supposedly clean hands. The children were very surprised at what they saw still left on their hands. Some spots were big, while others were small.

Jeremiah 17:9 – The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? (NIV)

When I think of this experiment with the children, it reminds me that only God can see how clean my heart is in His sight.

God's Word says that those who ask Jesus Christ to forgive their sin and to come into their lives are forgiven in His sight.

1 John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (NIV)

Hebrews 8:12 – For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more. (NIV)

Prayer: Father in heaven, keep us conscious of wrong in our lives and help us to ask for Your forgiveness. Help us to be good neighbours, showing kindness and concern for others. We pray that others would see Jesus Christ in us. Amen.

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About the author:

Ruth Rowe <ruthjohn.rowe@gmail.com>
Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada
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