... all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Romans 3:23

One short phrase often frightens (or offends!) us. Using that phrase on others may drive them to tears — tears of contrition or tears of rage. The phrase? “You are a sinner.” They are words that nobody wants to hear. Yet God has given us ears to hear and soul and mind to respond.

The question is “Have you the faith and humility to accept that truth and repent?” An even more important question is “Have you the faith to believe and accept God’s forgiveness for Jesus’ sake?”

If any of the words above stung a bit, that’s good! The Holy Spirit is working! The truth can hurt and the truth can heal. As Paul reminds us in Romans, Jesus paid for those sins (Romans 8:1-3). Rejoice! Those sins — all sins — no longer condemn you.

Ed Grube
Addison, IL

Lord Jesus, never let me forget your forgiveness of my sins. Amen.

Reflect: For which of your sins are you most thankful to be forgiven?

Read: Romans 8:1–3 and 1 John 1:5-10