Law, Grief, Grace.

I used to be really violent about sin. I wanted to destroy every part of me that was destroying me, either all or nothing. I would assault others with my religious fervor. “We have to beat this, you guys! You serious or what?”

I remember reading Psalm 119:26, which says

“It is time for you to act, Lord; your law is being broken.”

Very legit. Fires me up, I’m ready to kick the door.

But ten verses later, David writes,

“Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed.”

And here I hear a much older man, hurting over the hurting, getting in their shoes, embracing their fight inside the trials and temptations.

Maybe I’m getting old or soft, but I feel more grief than anger about sin these days. It breaks my heart to pieces, and these pieces cry out grace. It’s not what I deserve, but what I need. And Jesus offers so much mercy over judgment, extended to the worst of us, and that’s where I want to be too.

— J