“1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.”
Sometimes I feel like I’m just dripping with sin and no matter how God sees me and forgives me, I will never get that unconditional forgiveness from the ones I have wronged.
Sometimes I step outside myself and see myself behaving horribly, and I don’t have the power to stop it.
Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed and question my abilities as a mom, homeschooler, wife, writer and just want to quit trying.
Sometimes I’m afraid to look at myself in the mirror for fear that I’ll be the same as I was yesterday.
Sometimes I feel so hypocritical as I talk the talk (very loudly, I might add), yet stumble and fall on my face as I walk.
“4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions–it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God– 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:1-10
Unfortunately I live in a fallen world, in an imperfect body, but I don’t have to wallow in my sin and shame. I an ask for forgiveness.
And Jesus forgives. He loves. That’s what he does. He came to save and forgive this a sinner by His Grace. I’m forgiven. I am saved by His Grace.
And so are you! Walk in it today!
So much easier said than done. Thank goodness God is patient!
Boy, is this how I feel so many days! Thank you! It’s good to be reminded that God’s forgiveness is unconditional; that’s so hard to wrap my mind around, but it just is, and I’m so glad it is.
Kristeen, you are so right! I fell again this week when my mouth spoke before I engaged my brain!
Melissa, even when no one else understands or forgives, at least God does. I had to live that lesson again this week!