When the means of grace is practiced - the gift of absolution.

Both Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are means of God’s grace. But also important is the practice of confession and absolution. Forgiveness is a gift that allows us to live freely as God’s sons and daughters. Forgiveness releases us from the impossible task of justifying ourselves. The Law tells the truth about us: we are sinners who cannot save ourselves. But the Gospel tells the greater truth: God has justified sinners through Christ. Therefore, in confession, we are free to stop hiding; in absolution, we are free to stop carrying our guilt; and in faith, we are free to stop trying to earn God's love. Christ has done it. We are forgiven. And because we are forgiven, we are free - not to live for ourselves - but free to live in love for God and our neighbor.