The Fall: Part 3

The life of faith encompasses several events and moments that we journey through multiple times during the course of a lifetime. The devotion below is part of an ongoing series that explores these central themes of Christian doctrine.

“When we think we have it all, we are still beggars, in need of grace.  When we think we have nothing, we are still beloved, in whom God is well pleased.” – Rev. Matthew Nickoloff

The reality of our personal sinful nature is not meant to fill us with guilt and shame.  As Paul says in his letter to the Roman church, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” In other words, our sinfulness is the great equalizer.

We must acknowledge our sin because it is not God’s hope for the world or our lives, but we must never allow this truth to pull us into thinking that we are any less than God’s beloved children.  Our mistakes do not define us, God is the one who gives us our identity as loved and forgiven children.

Rather than being pulled into feelings of shame and guilt, taking the time to humbly admit our sinfulness has the power to pull us deeper into an understanding of God’s great love for us.  Despite these mistakes we’ve made, God is still willing to forgive.  When we allow the beauty of this truth and the incredible depths of God’s love to meet us in our broken, sinful state it is almost always transformative.

Peace,
Pastor Nate Preisinger
November 24, 2023