You Asked For It

Is there anything I can do when I feel so unworthy of God's love?

Why do I feel unworthy of God's love?

1. I do know this: God will forgive me even though I don't deserve it

   If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
   1 John 1:9

2. I do know this: Next to God -- I'm a                                     and                               

   Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
   Matthew 5:48

3. I feel unworthy because this sin seems different

   For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.
   Psalm 51:3

   •                                          sin

   •                                                         sin

   •                                sin

   • Sin that                                     others

   • Sin I                           on others
     

Psalm 51 -- Hope for the Unworthy

• Even the vilest offender can                                to God for forgiveness

  Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
  Psalm 51:1-2

• What God wants: a                                and                                          heart

  You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

  Psalm 51:16-17

What God Gives: Grace

• It's                     

  For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit,
  1 Peter 3:18

• It's                     

  For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no one can boast.
  Ephesians 2:8-9

• It's                               

  For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, [19] but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
  1 Peter 1:18-19

• It's at work to make your more                                         

  The Lord is worthy of our trust and he will set you firmly in a clear direction and isolate you so as to watch you -- to preserve you from the evil one. We are so reliant on the Lord that we are confident that you are currently doing and will continue to do in the future the things we command. May the Lord straighten fully, guide your heart, mind, feelings, into God's unconditional love so that it is more than merely an objective attribute of God but that it becomes a ruling principle in our hearts and that Christ's consistency, endurance, and continuance will be seen in you.
  2 Thessalonians 3:3-5 (Gibson translation)

• Don't let the                           take your                 away -- pray this:

  Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
  Psalm 51:10-12