Hello, my name is David, and I am a sinner.
I often start my sermons in this manner. It is something I picked up going to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and Narcotics Anonymous meetings with friends who were celebrating milestone anniversaries. Somewhere along the way they have to make amends with those whom they have harmed, as long as it is safe and possible to do without causing any undue stress.
Making amends comes after the addiction is turned over to a higher power, and lengthy moral inventories are developed. There is a readiness to take responsibility for one’s actions.
We have been called to live in relationship with one another and with the God who created us, loves us, and worries about us. God is not about whether we are good or bad, God is about integrity. Can we admit that we messed up and take responsibility for our own actions? It is not about being good. It is about knowing we are bad enough to still be loved by God.
Gentle Spirit, you call us to be honest with ourselves, with our neighbours and with you. Help me as I strive to be open with my struggles so that I might heal. Let me be an inspiration to others. Amen. — RDL