Create in me a pure heart, oh 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. Have mercy on me, oh 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, 10-18

Today is the day to be free from your shame. To know that God’s grace can cover any sin, any mistake for anyone who is humble enough to own it and give it to God. God knows everything you’ve done and loves you. It’s also important to know when you’re going through difficult times that we love you, and we care about you. There is no shame that cannot be covered, saturated, baptized in God’s love and compassion. It’s very good news. Because you are a human being, you are loved by God, not for what you do, not for what you have, what people say about you, your reputation in the kingdom of God, those things don’t matter. What matters is that you are a child of God and if you can embrace God’s love, only then will you truly have the power to live a life of holiness for God.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank you for loving me just as I am. Please help me to recognize and accept that love every day and to share it with others. Amen.

REFLECTION: What things do I need to let go of in my life as I strive to live a life of holiness for God?