For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Romans 3:23-24

---

I hate it when I make a mess. I’m especially bothered by it when I’m unhurried and intentionally being careful. The other night, while setting the coffee maker for the morning, I nicked a heaping scoop on the side of the pot and sent grounds flying everywhere. They landed on the counter, in the water reservoir, down the gap between the wall and cabinet, and across the floor. It’s not how I wanted to end my evening. But it happened, as accidents often do. And so did my typical unforgiving reaction.

Could I have calmly cleaned up my mess? Yes. Did I? No. I immediately started beating myself up emotionally. I got angry, defensive, and belittling. I wasn’t merely upset over an inconvenience; I was white hot for being imperfect. Fortunately, this time, no one else was around except me and God. And gratefully, wise words from Dr. Henry Cloud in Changes That Heal came to mind: “Our failures do not surprise [God]. If they surprise us, it is only because we have too high an opinion of ourselves.”

Forgiveness is serious business, including the deeply personal task of forgiving ourselves. It shouldn’t surprise me or you that we make mistakes. Romans 3:23–24 is crystal clear. Apart from Jesus, imperfection is universal, but that doesn’t mean we’re less valuable or unforgivable in God’s eyes. Yes, everyone sins. Yes, everyone misses the mark of holiness. The good news isn’t that we’re all messed up but that all of us can be forgiven and free from sin and shame through faith in Christ.

In my life, I will blow it. This won’t be the last time I mistakenly scatter coffee grounds across the kitchen or do something wrong in God’s eyes with much more significant consequences. The same is true for you. It’s hard to believe, but our imperfection never changes God’s unconditional love or His willingness to forgive you and me. Being in relationship with His perfect Son makes it possible for us to extend grace and forgiveness to anyone—including ourselves.

The next time you’re surprised by your imperfection, or stuck in shame over something you’ve done, know that God’s forgiveness is readily available. And, if, like me, this is hard for you because of whatever you’ve done, simply pray, “Lord, help me forgive my imperfection.” It’s an important step on the path to freedom.

Next Steps

Get alone and pray, “Lord, help me forgive my imperfection.” Then take five minutes to write down anything that comes to mind that is hard for you to forgive about yourself. End by rereading Romans 3:23-24 and praying the same simple prayer.

If forgiving yourself is tripping you up, don’t beat yourself up about it. Take time to talk with a trusted friend, small group leader, or someone on our Pastoral Support team. You’re not alone—we all sin. Bringing imperfection to light can help lift the burden of unforgiveness toward yourself on the path to freedom.