We are not yet perfect. Anyone want to argue otherwise? If we are Christians our eyes are open to recognize sin is real, brokenness impacts and influences us and the world in a variety of ways, yet we are called to holiness. Surely we can all just give ourselves a pass for our actions and attitudes over the past year a least because of all the societal challenges, right? But if we’re honest with ourselves we haven’t always been crushing it in the best of times let alone the worst of times (Which I don’t contend is right now) While it seems like we’re landed but waiting for our gate to deplane to get back to “normal” we cannot be whole reliant our circumstances to change for us to experience real change in our lives and our souls. Even prefect conditions can and do still lead to sin and failure. What does endurance like individually and relationally when sin is real? Affliction comes in many forms. We experience grief for many different reasons. While the actions of others can discourage us, it is often our choices which cause us the greatest pain. Where we are personally derailed by the impact of sin, repentance is needed to return us to the path of endurance. Where we are discouraged we need to find comfort and encouragement to not despair. We don’t do this alone or with our own strength. In Christ we have been made new AND we are called pursue being new for our joy and God’s glory.