Our Sin, God’s Love
How easy is it to spot the sin in someone else life? Conversely, how hard is it to recognize the sin in our own life?
We find it easy to see and judge others for their sin while glossing over our own. But when we downplay or justify our sinful actions, we risk missing something important – the opportunity to repent and change. We risk missing the chance to live holy lives before a holy God.
The more we dismiss our sin, the more we minimize God’s love and Jesus’ sacrifice at Calvary. Let’s see what happens when we read Galatians 2:20 (ESV) out loud:
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Let’s proclaim Galatians 2:20 again, this time making it even more personal. (Pause as necessary to fully appreciate the meaning and intent.)
“I, (your name), have been crucified with Christ. I nail my will to the cross. It’s no longer I who live, but Christ Who lives in me. From now on, I, (your name), put my complete faith in Jesus, the Son of God, Who loved me, (your name), so much that He died an excruciatingly-painful death – on my behalf.”
The more we comprehend how much Jesus loves us and acknowledge the price He paid for our sins, the more we can see sin for what it is: abominably evil, devastatingly destructive and recklessly foolish. Only the greatest act of love could rescue us from it.
Only a mind-blowing love.
God’s love for us is so great that we struggle to fully understand the depth of emotion and sacrificial commitment that drove Jesus to die for mankind. Especially for people (us!) who consistently rebel – and then minimize our actions.
What do you think? Is it even possible to understand a love so giving?
- A love so tenderhearted that it can completely penetrate our hearts?
- A love so powerful that it enables us to recognize and repent of our sin and resolve to turn in a new direction?
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I’m always reminded of this scripture Romans 2:1 Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.
Indeed. Plus, we minimize Christ’s sufferings on the cross for us when we’re so quick to minimize our own sins. (Thank you, Barbara. AND thank you for sharing my devotion on your FB page.)
So true!
I love your heart for God, Barbara.
The song goes “oh, the overwhelming, neverending, reckless love of God!” I have wondered how can God’s love be reckless. You described sin for what it is: abominably evil, devastatingly destructive and recklessly foolish. Our reckless ways got us into the thicket and God “recklessly” left the ninety-nine to save each one of us!
Our amazing Savior! I love the way He loves us.
Thank you for another beautiful comment, FellowBeliever.
He died in the cross because of our sin and sacrifice his life without any complain or anything else.
Hello, Marilyn. Thank you for dropping by!
Jesus’ death at Calvary was indeed a loving, selfless act of love.