“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” — Romans 3:23–24 (NIV)

 

We all mess up. Every one of us. That’s what Paul is saying here—everyone has fallen short. So when we look at someone else’s mistake and think, “How could they?”, we’re forgetting that we’ve been there too. Sophia reminded us that we each walk a different path, and Lauren said it perfectly—God’s opinion is the only one that truly defines us.

This verse is like a mirror. It shows us that nobody earns their way to God—we’re all broken and all in need of grace. But the good news? That same grace that covers you also covers the person you’re tempted to judge. That friend who’s struggling? The one who’s lost? God’s not done writing their story. So don’t label them. Love them.

 

New Perspective: Judgment draws a line. Grace builds a bridge.

– Sophia & Lauren (8th grade and youth group students)