At the cross, we see the worst of ourselves, and it would be unbearable if we did not in the same second see God’s loving forgiveness. Through faith in Christ we can let go of our shame and guilt, and start walking in freedom and joy because, through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we can be forgiven and made new.

I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won’t be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd’s rod makes me feel safe. Psalms 23:4 CEV https://bible.com/bible/392/psa.23.4.CEV

The tragedy of our sinfulness is that we lie to ourselves, raising up false gods that can never satisfy and ignoring the Creator who can. Rebecca Manley Pippert

Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other. Ephesians 4:2 CEV https://bible.com/bible/392/eph.4.2.CEV

Religion that pleases God the Father must be pure and spotless. You must help needy orphans and widows and not let this world make you evil. James 1:27 CEV https://bible.com/bible/392/jas.1.27.CEV

Instead of having faith in God, we have faith in ourselves, and we live as if we are in charge. Sin is the deliberate refusal to believe in and worship God as God, and it is the prideful claim of the right to run our own lives. Rebecca Manley Pippert

Then Jesus said to all the people: If any of you want to be my followers, you must forget about yourself. You must take up your cross every day and follow me. If you want to save your life, you will destroy it. But if you give up your life for me, you will save it. Luke 9:23‭-‬24 CEV https://bible.com/bible/392/luk.9.23-24.CEV

We are struggling with the symptoms of an age-old disease that we have lost the capacity to diagnose. That is why the biblical doctrine of sin is more relevant today than ever. Rebecca Manley Pippert