So I woke up two days ago to a very mean comment someone had posted on my blog.  The kind of comment where you’re like—how could anyone say something so cruel?

And then I proceeded to pray and think about it for the rest of the day.  And ask some friends for counsel.  Should I respond?  Should I ignore?

I think—although it was anonymous—that the comment was written by someone with whom I used to be very close.  Because, of course, only  the people you love, or you have loved, are the ones who can hurt you the most.

My husband, God bless his soul, hugged me and said he loved me and to just ignore it.  And that helped.  But anytime I’m reminded of past sins, it stings.

In the end, I decided to ignore the comment.  Sort of.  (I’m not “truly” ignoring it if I’m writing about it, eh?)

But it really made me stop and think.  There are things I’ve done in my life that I wish I could take back.  There are moments that I wish I could re-do.  I’m not someone who lives without the reality of regret.

You’re reading the blog of a sinner.  Knock, knock – is this thing on?

(And some sins have more serious consequences than others, like my favorite pastor says here).

But then I’m reminded of what Luther said: for every one look at my sin, I must take ten looks at the Cross.  Or I will drown in despair.

When God crushed his only son to pay the penalty—death and separation from God—for my sins (past, present and future), I was instantly forgiven and made righteous once and for all in the eyes of God.

I didn’t deserve it.  And you’ll never catch me saying I did.  Nothing I can ever do will ever make me more, or less, righteous before God.

Here’s part of my favorite hymn:

When Satan tempts me to despair

And tells me of the guilt within

Upward I look and see Him there

Who made an end of all my sin.