Romans 3:23-24
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty of our sins. (NLT)

We talked yesterday about seeing others as being created in God’s image, but sometimes, we need to be reminded that that’s true about ourselves as well. Part of following Jesus is becoming more like Him over time, a process called sanctification. Let’s face it, though. We won’t ever be perfect on this side of Heaven. We will always need Jesus’ redeeming grace. One of the things Satan does best is pile on shame and fear and guilt, causing us to wallow in our sin and hide behind our shame. But Jesus came to earth to pardon that sin and to bring us back to Him, to provide freedom from all the weight that sin and shame carry.

Here’s the deal, though: We have to be able to turn it over to Him. All of our stuff. And we all have stuff. There’s not a single one of us who doesn’t have sin in our life. We are fallen, and we are broken. That’s the harsh reality of our situation. BUT GOD. He already knows it all. It’s not going to surprise Him. So give it to Him, and let Him carry it and continue to sanctify you as you walk in that freedom.

We are all lost, broken people. I can almost guarantee you that what you’re going through, many others are currently going through, too. That voice that tells you you’re the only one—that’s a lie. That you’re too far gone—that’s a lie. That no one could ever understand—that’s a lie. Satan wants you to believe those lies and keep you from the freedom that Jesus offers. Don’t let him. 

Admitting that we’re broken is the first step. The next step is to seek help, and then let yourself off the mat. Jesus has already paid the price for your sin and mine. The mistakes you’ve made in the past are not who you are. Who you are is a child of the Most High God, a wonderful creation made in His image, and He loves you! Let’s remember that truth today.

Tuesday’s Reflection

Our Southland Music team wrote a song called ”No More” that very plainly says, “We won’t hide in the darkness anymore. Our sin cannot define us anymore. He is strong enough to deliver us. He has already won the battle.” Give that song a listen today, and make a commitment to step out of the darkness and into the arms of Jesus, a Father who loves you dearly and wants you to know it.