Here’s a shock – I’m a sinful man. I often read Paul’s description of himself as the ‘Chief of sinners’ and think to myself, “That’s only because I wasn’t born yet”. It’s not something to be proud of, but it is important to be honest. It’s hard to imagine that the people around me have the same thoughts, fall for the same temptations, and do the same corrupt and sinful actions that I find myself doing when I’m at my worst.
Here’s another shock – you’re also sinful. All the things I said about myself very possibly apply to you as well. Paul called himself the ‘Chief of sinners’ because he knew his own thoughts and actions better than anyone else. We are in the same boat – I can’t see the thoughts inside your head anymore than you can see mine. Honestly, we should thank God for this. If we could actually see what was going around in one another’s heads we would be unlikely to have any close relationships.
You and I both intellectually know that God can actually see all the twisted thoughts in our heads – yet in His Word it is clear that we can be freed from the guilt and shame that so easily entangles us.
You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar(Psalm 139:1-2)
How amazing is a God that knows exactly how screwed up we are and yet is willing to forgive us and call us His own?
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”(Luke 23:34a)
#LoveMatters