I recently watched an old episode of The Waltons where a new preacher came to town, preaching hellfire and brimstone. His sermons were intense, warning of God’s coming wrath and judgment. The message was true, but it wasn’t the whole truth. He spoke nothing of God’s love or grace, only of people being wretched sinners.
One day, after a personal failure, the preacher got drunk and faced the town, ashamed that he had fallen so short of the very standard he had so heavily imposed. In that moment, his only hope was the grace of the very people he had once preached to so harshly. And they gave it. That experience changed him—and changed the way he shared God with others.
In the Old Testament, even the high priest had to offer sacrifices not only for the sins of the people but for his own (Hebrews 5:1–3). God did not expect absolute perfection from His priests; He expected humility and dependence on His mercy. None of us stand above God’s grace.
As the Scriptures say in Romans 2:1, “Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.”
It’s true that we are called to walk in righteousness and holiness. But it’s just as true that God loves us even when we fall short. My hope is that we would hold tightly to the goal of holiness—while finding our peace in the arms of the One who is holding us. His love and grace are stronger than our failures. Being in touch with God’s grace for ourselves helps us have a kinder and more compassionate posture toward others.One day, after a personal failure, the preacher got drunk and faced the town, ashamed that he had fallen so short of the very standard he had so heavily imposed. In that moment, his only hope was the grace of the very people he had once preached to so harshly. And they gave it. That experience changed him—and changed the way he shared God with others.
