How to be Good When I have been Bad

“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23)  This is the common story of the human predicament.   “For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23a)  This is the common story of the human plight.  “…but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23b)  This is the common story of the human possibility.  The challenge in life is to acknowledge our predicament, avoid our plight, and attain our possibility. 

This is not an easy challenge, but it is a simple solution.  Jesus has already paid the price “…Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)  We need His payment applied to our account.  Baptism is that solution.  “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?” (Romans 6:3)  From this baptism, we arise to “…walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)  This is the first answer to the question, “How can I be good when I have been bad?”

For those who have already taken this step, the question needs a second answer.  “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9)

But, there is still one more thing to consider.  It is the practical side.  How do I feel good when I have been bad?  That question takes a lot more time and lot more work.  We feel bad when we sin if we have been trained properly.  Overcoming this is the challenge that we all face at one time or another.

The answer is—Act forgiven!  There are many things we can do to help us acknowledge our forgiveness.  But, the first one is to accept that God has forgiven us.  If we have truly repented, then God has given us the undeniable promise that He has forgiven us.

Many Christians carry their burdens around even after God has agreed to take them away.  They can be removed from God’s account, but I must remove them from my own accounting of myself.  If I continue to dwell on the guilt of my sin rather than the gift of my salvation, I will not live the forgiven life!  It is time for forgiven Christians to act like forgiven Christians!

• Remain true to God's Word - 2 Timothy 2:15
• Grow in love and unity - 1 Corinthians 13:1-7
• Find greater joy in praising God - Psalms 117:1-2

If we love one another as a family, and serve each other with the spirit of peace, there are no limits to what we can do for the Lord.

May God bless each of us in His service.

The Elders
Richmond Congregation

Paul Alexander
Owen Barnes
Jack Hall
Joe Koger
John Mathis
Paul Sowards

Sermon Topics

A.M.  Proverbs 25:11

Words to Live by:  Apple

The wise man compares proper words to apples of gold and silver.

P.M.  Luke 15:11-13

How to be Good When You have been Bad

Everybody does bad things sometimes. The good people try to do better.