How humiliating!

Working on Romans 3:19-28 this week.  Remembering and celebrating the Reformation. One thought that struck me in the reading is this: Faith is not an act or an effort, but a response, a recognition of my dependence on God. 

The reason this has been rattling around in my head during the preparations for this Sunday is that it reminded me that the only way I can bring grace and forgiveness to others and to any situation is if I first admit and accept my own need for them.  Unfortunately, that's a very hard admission to make and it can really puncture the old ego. Ouch!  Good works are easier.  This Gospel stuff is too difficult.