Poem: You are not your sin

A new poem that's come out of struggling with a few things this week and God reminding me that when I sin, that isn't what defines me.  It's grace that reminds me that Jesus has forgiven me and that I'm God's son.  That's what defines me.

You are not your sin

If you are a christian,
my friend, this is true,
no matter the place you are in.
Whatever your feelings,
whatever you've done,
my friend, you are not your sin.

Sometimes, there are big things
you do and your feel
they become what defines you within.
Yet, though they may hurt,
and you feel covered with dirt,
my friend, you are not your sin.

Other times, it might be
the frequent but small
where bad habits are gradually worn in.
But, although you keep making
the same old mistakes,
my friend, you are not your sin.

The big and the small,
when he died on cross,
your slate was wiped clean from then in
and though you still stumble
and still let him down,
my friend, you are not your sin.

You see, you are not now
your original self,
That old character's no longer your kin.
His is the image
the father now sees
For, my friend, you are not your sin.

And, my friend, what an image
the Father now sees
when he looks at you deeply within.
For, in place of your stain
and your darkness and shame
Jesus' sacrifice covers your sin!

Like the brightest of stars,
far outshining our sun
His beauty shines hot, pure and clean
and its light burns the shadow
that darkened your heart
for, my friend, you're no longer your sin.

He looks on you now
as his family, his child,
fully loved and forgiven in him.
So, when next the devil accuses you, friend,
Remember and tell him
That he does not own you,
The chains what once bound you
They no longer hold you
And though you may falter
His grace holds on to you
So, no matter the place you are in,
My friend, you are not your sin!