There are no degrees of rebellion against God. If you’ve ever rebelled against Him in little ways, you’re no better off spiritually than someone who has rebelled against Him in big ways. We all need His mercy, forgiveness, and healing purchased by Jesus on the Cross.

Being a redeemed Christ-follower means that you no longer need to attempt the futile fight of trying to justify or prove yourself to yourself, to other people, or to God. It means that you’ve humbly agreed with God’s diagnosis that you have gone astray and are totally undeserving of HIs love and completely dependent on his mercy, forgiveness, and grace.

The more we believe that we deserve and/or have earned the good things in our life, the less we will be grateful to God for them. Honestly admitting our unworthiness and seeing all the good in and around us as undeserved gifts from God fills us with thanksgiving!

I haven’t earned and don’t deserve anything good. Everything good in my past, present, and future was, is, and will be a completely unmerited gift from God. How merciful He’s been to me!

It’s not wise to be stuck on hindsight when God wants to give you insight. Instead of just looking back look to the risen Jesus now! Unfortunately, Christians tend to focus more on trying to justify themselves through theology instead of learning to rely on and depend on the presence, reality, and mercy of the living Jesus in the present moment.

You can’t go back in time, but you can mend some of the damage you’ve caused in the past and humbly apologize for the rest. Jesus calls that “repentance.” It puts you in the position to receive and live in God’s mercy and forgiveness.

Let any remorse that comes from hindsight be a call to humbly ask for and receive present day forgiveness from God. That’s much more effective than attemping self-forgiveness. Often pray this ancient prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy on me a sinner.”

If you'll open your heart
To God's innovation
And let Jesus give you
A complete renovation,
You'll want to give Him
A never-ending 
Standing ovation!