I Am Guilty

July 5, 2011 Not Guilty Pictures, Images and PhotosBut he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

This week as I thought about the Casey Anthony ruling and saw many ugly comments made about her, it made me do some self reflection. It wasn’t pretty.

I am guilty of so much.

  • being jealous
  • saying and doing things out of pure anger and spite
  • lying
  • cheating
  • stealing
  • sex before marriage
  • swearing
  • idolatry
  • using the Lord’s name in vain
  • not honoring my parents
  • gossiping
  • seeking revenge
  • suicidal thoughts
  • wishing and praying for death
  • wanting to run away and never look back
  • using alcohol to numb
  • wishing someone dead
  • horrible thoughts towards those I love
  • impure lustful thoughts
  • self injury

The list could and does go on and on. I am guilty. The saddest part is I did all of these things while knowing Jesus as my savior. Often believers want to put themselves up on a pedestal. You know, the one where we’re better than others because at least we didn’t do that!

But I’m no better than Casey Anthony or OJ Simpson. I may not have allegedly murdered anyone with my hands but I have in my mind. I have thought about how much easier life would be if certain someones weren’t walking the earth.

Clearly guilt could rule my life. It has. But I am covered by grace. Completely covered but completely undeserved. Just like you. Just like Casey and OJ can be. When I keep my eyes on the one who took my sin, I make better choices. Does my flesh still stumble? Yes, and when it does, I get back on my knees and I ask forgiveness.

Because His grace is enough for even me. And it’s enough for you. And even Casey Anthony.

Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him. 1 John 3:15

6 Comments

  1. Hi Mel:

    How have you been? The Bible says that we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God…No one is righteous, not even one.

    No one is good enough or can do enough good to be right with God. But the good news is that Jesus, the lamb of God was cruxified for us so we who believe in what He did for us are made righteous before God.

    Because of our sinful nature, though our spirit is strong but our flesh is weak.

    God loves you so much that He gave His only Son.

    Blessings,
    Paul

  2. It’s true that it is so easy to fall into that trap of thinking, “I must be better because at least I didn’t do that!” And yet I’ve been guilty of way more things than I would ever want to admit, and God’s grace is sufficient for them all. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

  3. GREAT post, Mel… I resemble most, if not all, of what you said here. (Thank you, Jesus.)

  4. I’m guilty as well AND I’m forgiven. Thank God for sending Jesus …. for now I have life!

  5. And though the verdict is – guilty, we still get a – LIFE sentence.

    Ang

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