Love, Sin, and What Defines You

    In today's world, we are constantly trying to label everyone. Even Christians tend to label others. We define people who aren't Christians, or even one another, as sinners. While it’s good that we are humble about the reality of our sin, I believe it shouldn’t define us. I may sin, but I am not a sinner. I am wiped clean by the grace of God. My sin doesn’t define me, God does.

    If we believe that we have been saved by grace, we need to live like it. Because our sin no longer defines us. If we actually believe God saved us, we are changed. That brings us away from being a sinner and towards being a loved child of God. This shift is important. If we say we are saved but live as sinners, how can we really show Christ? If you label yourself as a sinner you will act like a sinner; it's a self-fulfilling prophecy. In all actuality, you are victorious. God has won, and he has wiped you clean. So live like it!

    This isn’t to say you’re perfect and don't sin. We are far from that. But there is a difference between little “t” truths and big “T” truths. A little “t” truth is something you do. You lie, you sin, you have pride. But a big “T” truth is something that defines you. You are a loved child of God. You are redeemed. You are wiped clean by the very grace of God. The real truth is that you might sin, but that doesn't define you as a sinner. If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then your record is wiped clean. This is good news. Your sin does NOT label you anymore! You are free from it.

    Jesus wants you to be free. He came and broke the chains of sin for you to live freely. He knows that a better life waits for you when you define yourself not by your sin, but by God and his freedom from sin. It's a distinct shift that this world needs. If we, as Christians, humbly admit our sin, but live by God’s grace, we will be more accurately showing Jesus. He didn't come to free perfect people, so let's stop acting like we are. But he also didn’t come just to leave us in the chains of sin. So let's throw them off and live free, defined by HIM.

    “Because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:2