I’ve sinned multiple times today. Even though I am a Christian and my life goal is to be like Jesus, I’ve had impure thoughts. I’ve had unkind thoughts. I’ve failed over and over. And here’s the real kicker — it’s only 10:00 a.m.
We can try our hardest to do the right thing, but we inevitably fail because, after all, we are all humans with a sinful nature. Shame is often the next emotion in line. We know that, as Romans 8:1 says, ”there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” but when we continually slip up, sometimes we feel like condemning ourselves.
When we become Christians, sin doesn’t go away. However, an overwhelming, all-consuming grace covers all of our sins once we confess them. This grace means we don’t have to stay in the shame produced by our sin.
How do we receive and remind ourselves of this grace? Simple — by looking to Him. Psalm 34:4 says, “I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.” And as verse five tells us, when we look to Him we will be radiant, luminous, and glowing with the light and joy that can only come from Him.
No longer should we live in the shame produced by our failures. Instead, let us look at Christ, ask Him to help us do what is right, and accept the radiance that comes with His grace covering our sins.
Lord, thank you for covering my sin and shame with your grace. Remind me daily that I can live free of shame if I will look to you and confess my shortcomings. Amen.
Go Deeper — Write Psalm 34:5 on an index card and carry it around with you. Whenever you need a reminder that your failures cannot cancel out His love for you, take it out and read it.
Related Article: Stop Trying to Get Right with God.
Photo Credit: Annie Spratt