We are conditioned to believe that we must work our way out of our past mistakes, but that is not how God’s grace works. We cannot earn it or stack up enough good works to make ourselves worthy of forgiveness. The titles we chase, the success we accumulate, and the image we work so hard to protect may impress people, but they do not move God closer to loving us. He already loves you perfectly, completely, and more than you could ever fathom. For those of us who have sinned, fallen short, disappointed ourselves, and hurt others along the way, this is incredibly good news. Psalm 103:12 says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Nothing you have done is beyond the reach of God’s grace, and nothing you are carrying has to stay hidden in the dark forever. Bring it to Jesus and receive the grace He freely gives. Speaking from experience, though grace is instantly available, it may take time and work to fully receive, so consider bringing a trusted friend along for the journey to help you carry what you were never meant to carry alone. Confessing your worst to another human may be one of the hardest things you ever do, but it can also be one of the most freeing.