Yesterday I really blew it with my kids.
I was cranky and irritable. Between yelling, I prayed, “Lord, help me get my attitude turned around.” But it didn’t happen.
By the time I dropped the kids off at VBS (small mercies!) I felt like the worst mom ever. As I drove home that familiar voice of shame began inciting me to beat myself up. But then I remembered two little words that changed everything.
But Jesus . . .
Those words stopped the guilt and shame beat down and ushered in peace. Yes, I failed my kids and God.
But Jesus . . .
- Jesus bore the guilt and shame of my sin.
- Jesus already forgave me.
- Jesus lived a perfect life because I could never.
How much time do I spend thinking about about all my shortcomings? Do you do this too? This kind of obsession with sin makes us forget the whole point of Jesus.
When I obsess about trying to live a perfect life and rehearse all the ways I don’t measure up, I miss precious opportunities to remember what Jesus has done on my behalf.
Sin consciousness robs us of the joy and peace of remembering that we have a Savior.
When I hatch endless self-improvement plans I take my eyes off the ways my failures have already been provided for.
But Jesus . . .
- Jesus died for my sins.
- He purchased my peace.
- Jesus paid the highest price so I wouldn’t have to dress in the rags of shame.
- He eagerly welcomes me back into His arms after I fail.
- Jesus still loves me.
And He still loves you.
