The compassionate face of Jesus.

How do you imagine the look on God’s face when you sin? I imagine the sharp-nosed, bird-like stare of an old lady. It's hard and inhuman.

But that is not how God's face looks, because Jesus is God who became human. He has been exhausted, and weighed down with care. He has been tirelessly tempted and knows frailty. He has even suffered the shame, guilt, and punishment of sin. It was worse for him, because he was innocent of it all.

So when Jesus looks on me in my sin, he feels the very human emotion of compassion. The look on his face says, "I understand brother! I know your  pain and have felt your hopelessness! I am with you, I'm for you, I am in you! With me you are forgiven! Together we will limp into heaven!"

Never be discouraged when you see your sins. Rather, begin by not being astonished at them. And then make use of them to immerse yourself in humility and to plunge yourself in the ocean of Christ's compassionate mercy.