mk sheri: I hope it is okay for me to enter this conversation, though you may be wanting Gene's input. I hear what you are saying about preaching without realizing our own need. We need to realize how much we are forgiven, and that may take time (it did for me).
The quotes you have from GRACE are so spot on. There is something purifying about hearing the truth, isn't there? All Christians need to hear that, and not be afraid to confront the sin in their/our lives.
Years ago, I heard someone say, at first the Christian life is simple, then it is hard, and (finally) it is impossible. Not an exact quote, but I have come to realize the truth of that statement in my life. Why is it so? Because the life of Christ can only be lived out by Christ through the Holy Spirit in us. Jesus knew it was absolutely vital that we have the Holy Spirit, because He knew we couldn't do it on our own. When I was a young Christian, it seemed easy, as I grew older, I had to "work" at it. Then I realized, my work wasn't getting me anywhere!
The Lord continues to show me what it means to be a sinner. I don't think in our culture, even "Christian" culture we like that word very much. Paul said, "sinners, of whom I am chief" and I think this is in the present tense at least, though I am know Greek scholar. Daniel in chapter 9 said "We are wicked" and he was called beloved of God. Isaiah confessed of being a man of unclean lips and yet he saw the Lord high and lifted up. These men loved God, worshipped God and were very much aware of their own sinfulness apart from God.
The older I get, the more I realize my own sinfulness and my inability to live the Christian life apart from Christ. Sometimes it takes realizing our utter weakness to understand why Christ had to come and die, why the resurrected life is the life He empowers. It is an amazing grace that sees me in Christ, but I'm there because of the cross.
Also, I have, for the first time this year, been able to forgive some of the people in my past who have hurt* me, but only as I have come to the Cross of Christ for myself. It is there that all forgiveness takes place.
*What I have experienced through hurt in no way compares to what those abused have endured. Others have shared the peace they have found and are far more qualified than I to speak to that.
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