“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” (Galatians 4:4-6)

Someone recently posted something online about how Christianity just makes you feel bad. They used different words, but that was the idea. 

This person, however, was missing something significant when it comes to our faith.

Yes, we are sinful people. When we learn about Jesus and commit to seriously following him, not only do we become enamoured by him, but we become increasingly aware of how much we are unlike him! All of us have a long way to go.

And yes, it is true that an awareness of sin can make you feel “bad.” Hopefully, it compels us to humbly admit our reliance on God, and to be grateful for God’s grace.

But there’s more. And it has to do with God’s attitude toward us as his children. 

Brother Lawrence was a monk who lived in the seventeenth century. Listen to his words about this very thing: “I consider myself as the most wretched of men, full of sores and corruption, and who has committed all sorts of crimes against his King. Touched with a sensible regret, I confess to Him all my wickedness, I ask His forgiveness, I abandon myself in His hands that he may do what He pleases with me.

“The King, full of mercy and goodness, very far from chastising me, embraces me with love, makes me eat as His table, serves me with His own hands, gives me the key of His treasures; He converses and delights Himself with me incessantly, in a thousand and a thousand ways, and treats me in all respects as His favorite.”*

What a great perspective. Brother Lawrence knew his own brokenness, but he also knew he wasn’t defined by it. He had been adopted by the God who was also his Father, and who treats him “in all respects as His favorite.” 

Today, when sin and shame heckle you, remind them who your Father is. You are defined not by your failures, but by the saving love of God.

Notes:

–An Invitation to Help: I’m looking for one (or three) individuals to help expand the online reach of ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan’ and ‘The Up Daily Devotional.’ Click here to learn more in the one-page explanation.

-The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week and returns on April 13, 2026.

-*Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God (Grand Rapids: Spire,1967), 36-7.

-Bible quotes are from the ESV.