Jesus is perfection.

Perfect in every word, every deed, every thought, every interaction with His enemies, with friends, with the proud religious, with big sinners — Jesus had limitless ability to love and forgive.

That’s our impossible goal, to be like Him. We have so much to live up to. We strive. We fall. We try again. Constantly. Perfection is a struggle. We won’t obtain it till Jesus has fitted us in our new bodies, in our new home.

Looking back at our pile of broken attempts is discouraging.

Thank goodness, God doesn’t do that! He doesn’t count our sins like we do. In fact, He intentionally forgets them, casting them “into the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:19) and separating them “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12).

God doesn’t love us because we are good. We may try for perfection, but on our own it’s an impossible goal. Without Jesus, we can never be good as God defines it.

Don’t dig up memories of old sins! If you’re sorry, if you’ve asked for forgiveness, then bury the thought. Press on! Let Jesus’ love, His life, lead. Read His words. Pray for strength. Every step you take closer to Jesus is one step closer to perfection.