When I reflect on my life, I have a choice.  I can focus on my own limits, failings, mistakes, and sins, and the sorrow, guilt, and fear that arise when I acknowledge them.

Or I can look through them, as through a window, and see the astonishing love of God, who knows me more thoroughly than I can ever know myself, and yet chooses to acquit me and offer me a fresh chance.

This week, try to take some time to pray your way into Paul’s words to the Romans.

“Who will bring a charge against God’s chosen ones?”  What do you charge yourself with?  Be as honest as you can.  What are the things you beat yourself up over?  The things you feel real sorrow and remorse about?

Notice them.  Try to sort out the ones where you feel a neurotic guilt based on unrealistic expectations from the ones where you really did fail to live up to your own standards or the obligations inherent in your relationships.

Own your human limitations, and own your sins.

Then look up this passage in Chapter 8 of Paul’s letter to the Romans.  Try to hear these words as addressed directly to you.  Insert your own name into the passage.

Standing in your truth, the fruit of your honest self-examination, ask the Holy Spirit  to shift your focus from yourself, rightly charged with whatever your conscience declares, to God, who acquits you of all charges and offers you love and the freedom to start anew.

Dwell in that moment of acquittal and love.  Try to live your life out of that grace.