Everyone is broken. Everyone is sinful. Romans 3:10 “none is righteous, no, not one…”

Recently, there was a saying that crossed my path in my study of theology, one that resonated with this particular recovering pride-addict. “No one ever graduates from the Gospel” I love this. As a young man, I am in that place in life where over ambition and the rat race to accomplish goals, meet certain milestones, and all the work to get ahead is the norm. Build your accolades. Work for prestige and a reputation of perfection. All or nothing. In that race, pride builds, self reliance builds, and entitlement builds. These are dangerous things no doubt, and we should be searching our hearts to be honest with God in these things, and praying for a heart of humility. But this is a thought that most of us could probably all agree with, and the need for Gospel humility is clear.

There is another side to consider however. That is the side of those who are broken and hurting, dealing with wounds and pain. Have you ever considered how much pride can be found there? Thoughts like “I have suffered certain pain, so, God should restore me and owes me for this pain” Entitlement, yes? But it’s a thought that is logical in our interpretation of justice. Eye for an eye right? Everyone deals with a different amount of trial and pain in various seasons of life. I’ve had to deal with quite a bit myself over the course of my life. The things I have had to deal with could be significantly more than others, it could also be significantly less than some other people. But sometimes there comes a point where I feel that I deserve an ‘I’m sorry for all the pain you’ve had to endure or the ways you’ve been sinned against’. I feel that I deserve that?! How prideful!

Now this doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t go to the Father with my pain, hurt, and suffering. He is the great Comforter and the Spirit will give you strength and healing. But I don’t think that will come out of a position of entitlement in your pain. God will redeem all. That is a promise. But to be humble in pain is a task easier said than done, at least for me. As I have been battling some deep scars over the past many months, I have to come to view my pain in the light of the Gospel. Jesus took my sin and yours on the cross…..and, He took the sin of the person that sinned against you. What has happened to you may not be fair, and by no means do I say to make light of these things. But the focus shouldn’t be vindication out of bitterness and unrighteous anger, but rather falling at the foot of the cross and searching for healing, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

Love one another. Forgive one another. Reconcile with each other. Be at peace with each other, living in the light of the Gospel.