Both Good and Bad
Romans 3:10-12
We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
We may see ourselves as different from other people-either much worse or much better. We may look down on ourselves and continually compare ourselves with "good" people. Or perhaps our addiction is more socially acceptable. We may console ourselves by placing ourselves above others whose sins seem worse than ours.
"As the Scriptures say, 'No one is righteous-not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one'_" (Romans 3:10-12).
The first chapter of Romans is often used to condemn sexual sins, or sexual addictions. People often skip over the last few verses, which condemn the more acceptable sins such as backstabbing, disobedience to parents, or being a proud braggart. Right after this chapter, the apostle Paul speaks to people who see themselves as better than others: "You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things" (Romans 2:1).
Every one of us is made of the same stuff, both good and bad. We may act out in different ways; but in God's eyes, we're the same. When we focus on admitting our wrongs, it helps us remember that we're not so different from others after all.
We are all sinful, but we are also loved by God and valuable in his eyes.
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