Perfectionists or “miracle workers?”

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. ~Matthew 5

46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. ~Matthew 5

46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. ~Matthew 5

46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. ~Matthew 5

46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. ~Matthew 5 “Always find out what the therefore is there for!”

46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. ~Matthew 5 “Always find out what the therefore is there for!”

Try (really hard) to look perfect. Self Centered Model:

Try (really hard) to look perfect. Failure. Self Centered Model:

Try (really hard) to look perfect. Failure. Devastating Shame... Devastating Shame... Self Centered Model:

Try (really hard) to look perfect. Failure. Hopeless and Hard Hearted. Devastating Shame... Devastating Shame... Self Centered Model:

Try (really hard) to look perfect. Failure. Hopeless and Hard Hearted. Devastating Shame... Devastating Shame... Self Centered Model:

Try (really hard) to look perfect. Failure. Hopeless and Hard Hearted. Devastating Shame... Devastating Shame... Self Centered Model: The Christ Centered Model: Try (really hard) to be perfect.

Try (really hard) to look perfect. Failure. Hopeless and Hard Hearted. Devastating Shame... Devastating Shame... Self Centered Model: The Christ Centered Model: Try (really hard) to be perfect. Failure.

“ 9 if we confess our sins he is faithful and just and will forgive us of our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” ~I John 1:9

“ 9 if we confess our sins he is faithful and just and will forgive us of our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” ~I John 1:9 (When we admit we did “it,” that’s evidence we’re being purified from “it.”)

Try (really hard) to look perfect. Failure. Hopeless and Hard Hearted. Devastating Shame... Devastating Shame... Self Centered Model: The Christ Centered Model: Try (really hard) to be perfect. Failure. Confess our Sins… Confess our Sins…

Try (really hard) to look perfect. Failure. Hopeless and Hard Hearted. Devastating Shame... Devastating Shame... Self Centered Model: The Christ Centered Model: Try (really hard) to be perfect. Failure. Confess our Sins… Confess our Sins… Life-giving Forgive- ness & Purification Life-giving Forgive- ness & Purification