“As Christians we think we can measure the growth of our spirituality by how little we are sinning or by how we can convince ourselves and others of how little we are sinning.” Derek Webb
I too easily forget that I am a saint who still sins. Yes, sin no longer holds me in bondage and I am no longer a slave to it but the work of sanctification will continue until the day I die. And I will continue to stumble and fall but my Father will continually be there showering me with mercy and forgiveness.
( Steph and I as we traveled to Ukraine from Romania in the train/bed (= )
We are never to wallow or sit in self-pity about our sins, but to cry out to our Father for the forgiveness he continues to lavish us with. In a book titled, Ruthless Trust, Brennon Manning writes, “We should never be discouraged by our faults. We can begin by not being astonished at them. A little child who does not know how to walk is not astonished at stumbling and falling with each step taken. While the gravity of sin is not to be minimized, wasting time deploring the past keeps God at a distance.”
It is in my faults and stumbling that I continually realize my need for His mercy and forgiveness. And it is in those moments I realize how much more I need of Him, because without Him I am just that- a sinner. But with Him I am a sinner who is saved by His grace. And it is His mercy that I continually experience as I do stumble. Because mercy defined is God not giving me what I deserve. And my sin continually deserves death but his grace, mercy and unfailing love are there as I repent and ask for forgiveness.
Koinonia + English class @ church
Psalm 51 is an amazing look at the repentant heart of David. Verses 16 & 17 say, “You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.” Even after David murdered Bathsheba’s husband he knew God did not want an outward action but an inward heart that was broken before God. God doesn’t want a sacrifice he wants an inward heart that is broken and repentant.
“Our sins have been exposed like that on the 5 o’clock news to Jesus. He knows you better than you’re wiling to admit to yourself BUT he’s forgiven you. Take joy that our sins are real and that our Savior is REAL.”
Derek Webb
If you have time check out the song I Repent by Derek Webb.
