Undeserved

A central principle of the Gospel is knowing we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  No matter how good we are at acting perfect or saying everything is awesome...there is no way around the FACT that we fall short.  We do not have to allow this understanding to devastate us, however....it is just the right and healthy starting point for GOD to do amazing things in us and it gives us opportunities to give the glory to GOD.  When we come to this knowledge and humility in our own lives and can be truthful about who we really are....it frees us.  We do not have to pretend...we do not have to lie....we do not have to try to cover up our shortcomings or struggles.  That doesn't mean we tell all our dirty laundry to everyone, but there may be moments where God can use our weaknesses to show His strength as He works to transform our lives.  We can ask God to help us learn to be discerning regarding when to share things for His glory and we can ask Him to give us deep friendships where we can experience accountability, trust, and real encouragement.  I know I long for friendships like that.  In order to have friends like this, we have to determine to be a friend who is set apart by prayer and action.

Once we can face our shortcomings in all honesty (which sometimes our friends are so helpful to show us) and we can admit we need forgiveness and salvation, we are ready to accept grace.