December 6, The Villain in Us: “Can we be real?” by B. Fouts

Romans 7:18-19
For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do.

Theme:
Sometimes it is important to acknowledge we are imperfect and ugly beings. Also, God’s love is there even in those moments.

Illustration:
One of the hardest parts of being a Christian is to admit to ourselves that we are sinners. Not very Christmas-y, but stick with me. We are destined to sin regardless of our will. Paul, who wrote to the churches everywhere to bring them light and love and spread the good news that Jesus is, was and will always be, wrote these words. Why? I think he was being real. We need to hear this as much as we need to hear the good news.

Personally, there are days when I feel I AM the most horrible person. I am angry and snarky and growly. My thoughts are not thoughts that seek out scripture or prayer. My actions don’t reflect the hands and feet of our Lord. The love that is in my heart is shaded by ugliness. I know, even then, it’s temporary. That’s my secret to getting through. I feel it’s healthy to know these days can’t be avoided, because we are human and we live with sin – even Paul knew it! To me, there are three important things to remember. A “sin” trinity if you will:
· God created us out of love (yes, there’s that winning word)
· We fell from His grace through sin, and we continue to do so.
· God’s love is SO BIG, SO STEADFAST, SO UNDENIABLE, that he gave us Jesus who wipes our slate clean.   Every. Single. Day.

Even when I make mistakes, feel the wrong things, say the wrong things and do the wrong things, I don’t have to continually beat myself up. I can have faith in the word, in our God and in his ever-forgiving Son. I know that I will continue to reach toward what is right. Even as I go through one of those days.

Takeaway:
In this season of hope and love, it’s ok to acknowledge your personal darkness. Just remember, the light will always, ALWAYS shine through. Give yourself a little grace and know that God’s love is yours through it all.

Prayer:
Dear gracious, forgiving and loving Father, we are so thankful for your love. We lean into you, even when we know we don’t deserve you, your love or your forgiveness. Thank you for your Son, our Savior, who You gave freely to us, into a world that would be forever in darkness without Him. Stay with us as we learn to be better. Amen