44. Discouragement, Sin and Failure
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).
