I’ve never been a fan of my mistakes. I know I am not perfect, but I think I often expect that of myself. John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement said we were, “going on to perfection.” It is both a destination and a journey, and likely, a journey that lasts a lifetime.

At times, we can expect too much from others, but hopefully, we find grace for them. But even that seems easier than extending grace to ourselves, yet, since it is difficult to give to others what we do not possess, it can be challenging to extend grace to those around us when we do not offer it to ourselves.

One of God’s great gifts is the offer of divine grace to all of us, yet those God deems worthy of grace, including ourselves, can find it difficult to give away and receive. It is as if we think our assessment of worthiness for grace is more accurate than God’s. God lavishes grace upon us while we dispense it like a controlled substance, especially when we are in need of it ourselves.

It is amazing how we carry failures from our past, but can barely remember yesterday’s successes. If asked to make a list of my top ten blunders, or embarrassing moments, it would likely take me longer to write than to remember. Successes, on the other hand, might require a little more effort. Unfortunately, it is all too easy to define ourselves by the negativity of perceived failure, than by the encouragement of real achievement.

Don’t get me wrong, it is not as if I walk about rehearsing my mistakes. That would be a different issue, better reflected upon in another setting. However, I am very aware of the difficulty of extending grace to myself when I need it. I am also aware that I am not alone. That is why accepting God’s grace in times of failure becomes so important. It allows us to move on and, more importantly, allows God to redeem our imperfections.

The Apostle Paul, reflecting on his own struggles, shared God’s revelation to him. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, he writes, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

God’s grace is sufficient. There are no qualifiers, no distinctions. In every circumstance, God’s grace is enough. More than just forgiveness, it is an expression of God’s power to transform our weaknesses into demonstrations of divine love and strength. Rather than cringing at our mistakes, we can open them to healing power of a loving God, who defines us by our identity in Christ and his perfection.

God does not merely paint over our faults so that everything looks good on the outside. Instead, God remakes us, using even mistakes to form us into the image of Christ, and reveal the power of his love. It is an amazing gift God gives to us, which we can then give to ourselves and others.

So, today, let’s agree to give ourselves some grace. If God thinks we are worthy of it, who are we to disagree. We will continue on the road to perfection, but we will travel more lightly when we trade the baggage of our mistakes for the amazing grace of God.