By Andrea Merrell
Not of works,
lest any man should boast.
Ephesians 2:9 KJV
When we mess up, it’s so easy to feel shame. To be discouraged. To feel like a failure.
One morning I was being particularly
hard on myself when I read these words by Sarah Young in Jesus Calling:
I am pleased with
you, my child. Allow yourself to become fully aware of my pleasure shining upon
you. You don’t have to perform well in order to receive my love. In fact, a
performance focus will pull you away from Me toward some sort of Pharisaism.
This can be a subtle form of idolatry, worshiping your own good works. It can
also be a source of deep discouragement when your works don’t measure up to
your expectations … The light of My love shines on you continually, regardless
of your feelings or behavior. ~Jesus
What great news for every child of God. We are
loved—unconditionally. We don’t have to work, perform, or beg for it. God pours
out His love on us regardless of our inability to get it right every time. He
doesn’t judge us by our wayward thoughts, words, and actions. He looks at the
heart. And He forgives … over and over and over.
So, shift your focus away from self. Trust
in the One who gave His life for you. Ask forgiveness when you blow it. Then
accept it, forgive yourself, and move forward.
And don’t be discouraged.
(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and imagerymajestic.)
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