"For the same virtues that we have received of our Substance, given to us in Nature by the Goodness of God,—the same virtues by the working of Mercy are given to us in Grace through the Holy Ghost, renewed: which virtues and gifts are treasured to us in Jesus Christ."
Julian of Norwich (Ch. 57)
We can see that God made us in His good and loving image, but it can be difficult to see ourselves as good and whole when we think, say and do many things that are not good or whole. It can be hard to look past the often messed up exterior to see our good and holy core self. But Christ has brought us such a wonderful gift - His own Person, with all the virtues He has and is, to live inside us through the Holy Spirit at all times. Christ's righteousness, beauty, holiness, kindness, patience and sweetness are ours as a gift. So we can say that even though we fail in many ways, God has made and kept our inner core good, and even more, Christ has redeemed and restored our outer person. He has wiped away all the sin, brokenness and failure and has filled us with His own Person, His own righteousness, His own completeness. We may keep on failing, but Christ keeps on being perfect righteousness in us. We may sometimes be broken, but Christ keeps on being whole in us. So even if our behavior isn't perfect, we are still perfect in Christ and through Christ. We are one with Him, and He has made His wholeness and holiness our own!
"You are united with Jesus the Anointed. He is God’s wisdom for us and more. He is our righteousness and holiness and redemption."
1 Corinthians 1:30 (VOICE)
A Prayer: Thank You for being my permanent righteousness and holiness! Even though I fail, I am perfect and righteous in You always!