It is quite possible that a continuing contemplation of the holiness of God, and His calling of us to be like Him, may lead us to be discouraged at our all-too-evident failures. We may find ourselves going about in a downcast, mournful state, thinking “I’m simply not good enough to be in God’s Kingdom.” It is at just such a time as this that we need to be reminded that God is aware of our failures, and that if we are sincerely sorry for them, He will forgive us — provided we keep trying to serve Him! The only truly “unforgivable sin” is a lack of faith that God can forgive us. We must not limit His potential for mercy.

In the last analysis, then, discouragement at our own sins is in itself a sin! And it must give way to rejoicing that God has forgiven us. The way to achieve this state of mind is never to lose sight of the infinite love of God. As John writes, “Perfect love casts out fear”. And as Paul asks:

“If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all — how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died — more than that, who was raised to life — is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?....No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am persuaded that.... nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:31-39).