All of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. (Romans 3.23, CEV)
This is a disturbing statement. I would edit this to read, “some of us have sinned, and fallen short of God’s glory . . . but not me!” I don’t like to think of myself in the same category as the rest of those sinners I encounter every day. It’s so easy to see the sins of others than to recognize my own. Yet, understanding that I too am I sinner is at the heart of my own spiritual transformation. Until I accept that I am in need of a rescue from myself, my pride and my disobedience, I cannot really move to repentance—I cannot fully accept the truth of verse 24: “But God treats us much better than we deserve, and because of Christ Jesus, he freely accepts us and sets us free from our sins.” Recognizing my sin sets me free and enables me to appreciate the kindness of God toward me and all of humankind. I am accepted not because of how good I am, but because of how good God is! If I can learn to remind myself daily of this truth, God’s love can flow to me and through me.