“When we wallow in guilt, remorse, and shame over real or imagined sins of the past, we are disdaining God's gift of grace.”
In this quote by Brennan Manning, the author highlights the detrimental effects of dwelling on past mistakes. Manning suggests that by constantly feeling guilt or shame over past sins, we are essentially rejecting the grace and forgiveness that God offers. This quote serves as a reminder to let go of past wrongdoings and embrace the gift of grace that allows us to move forward and grow.
In today's fast-paced and often judgmental society, it can be easy to get caught up in dwelling on our past mistakes and shortcomings. However, Brennan Manning's insight about the destructive nature of guilt, remorse, and shame serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize acceptance of God's grace and forgiveness.
"When we wallow in guilt, remorse, and shame over real or imagined sins of the past, we are disdaining God's gift of grace." - Brennan Manning
Reflecting on the quote by Brennan Manning, consider the following questions to guide your thoughts:
“In a futile attempt to erase our past, we deprive the community of our healing gift. If we conceal our wounds out of fear and shame, our inner darkness can neither be illuminated nor become a light for others.”
“The spirituality of wonder knows the world is charged with grace, that while sin and war, disease and death are terribly real, God's loving presence and power in our midst are even more real.”
“The sorrow of God lies in our fear of Him, our fear of life, and our fear of ourselves. He anguishes over our self-absorption and self-sufficiency... God's sorrow lies in our refusal to approach Him when we sinned and failed.”
“We must be ready to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God... It is a strange fact that Christians and even ministers frequently consider their work so important and urgent that they will allow nothing to disturb them. They think they are doing God a service in this but actually they are disdaining God's "crooked but straight path". It is part of the discipline of humility that we must not spare our hand where it can perform service and that we do not assume that our schedule is our own to manage, but allow it to be arranged by God.”
“The forgiveness of God is gratuitous liberation from guilt. Paradoxically, the conviction of personal sinfulness becomes the occasion of encounter with the merciful love of the redeeming God. "There will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner repenting..." (Luke 15:7). In his brokenness, the repentant prodigal knew an intimacy with his father that his sinless, self-righteous brother would never know.”
“The deeper we grow in the Spirit of Jesus Christ, the poorer we become - the more we realize that everything in life is a gift. The tenor of our lives becomes one of humble and joyful thanksgiving. Awareness of our poverty and ineptitude causes us to rejoice in the gift of being called out of darkness into wondrous light and translated into the kingdom of God's beloved Son.”