We're more concerned about our own "victory" over sin than we are about the fact that our sins grieve God's heart

We're more concerned about our own "victory" over sin than we are about the fact that our sins grieve God's heart

Jerry Bridges was a renowned Christian author and speaker who often emphasized the importance of understanding the depth of God's love and grace in relation to our sin. One of the key themes in his teachings was the idea that as Christians, we should be more concerned about how our sins grieve God's heart than about our own victory over sin.

In his book "The Pursuit of Holiness," Bridges delves into the concept of holiness and how it is not just about avoiding sin or following a set of rules, but about having a heart that is aligned with God's will and desires. He argues that true holiness is not achieved through our own efforts or self-righteousness, but through a deep understanding of God's love and grace.

Bridges often pointed out that when we focus solely on our own victory over sin, we can become prideful and self-righteous, thinking that we have somehow earned God's favor through our own efforts. This mindset can lead us to become judgmental towards others who may be struggling with sin, rather than showing them the same grace and compassion that God has shown us.

Instead, Bridges encourages us to have a humble and contrite heart, recognizing that our sins not only separate us from God but also grieve His heart. He reminds us that God's love for us is unconditional and that He longs for us to turn away from our sin and return to Him.

By shifting our focus from our own accomplishments to God's heart, we can cultivate a deeper relationship with Him and experience true transformation in our lives. Bridges believed that when we truly understand the depth of God's love and grace, we will be motivated to live a life that is pleasing to Him, not out of obligation or fear, but out of a genuine desire to honor and glorify Him.