When we hear the word "sin," we may think of a list of bad behaviors. We'll compare our behavior to others and be left feeling puffed up or deflated. These "sins," wherever we rank them are really the symptom of a greater problem - separation from God.

 We've all fallen short and the good news is that Christ has closed the gap. The deep heart problem, the barrier, the separation has been taken care of through Christ's work on the cross. Will we open our eyes? Will we say yes to this offer of complete forgiveness? Will we, through Jesus, believe in our new identity?

No longer condemned, no longer separated, but free. This belonging will help us extend forgiveness and love to ourselves and our neighbors.