Casey and Michigan writes in with a very perceptive question, Pastor John, I have battled depression

for about two years.

I have this view of myself as a vial, horrible, disgusting creature whose good works are filthy

rags.

When I sin, I tell myself, of course I sin.

I'm a vial sinner.

I don't know how to do anything else, but sin, this is all I will ever do.

These views don't come out of nowhere.

In fact, I always thought they were biblical views of mankind, and that I was simply being

humble.

But reading the word more and more, I see the Christians are supposed to have victory

in Christ, and they are beloved children of God, yes, amen.

But I don't know how to view my sin in any other way than becoming completely depressed.

So my question is, how do I balance being humble yet not completely disgusted with

myself, and knowing I have value in the eyes of the Lord yet not becoming prideful?

Jason's question is so well crafted there at the end that I can't help thinking she

knows the answer.

She really, that was really well said, and that's hopeful to me.

That's hopeful to me.

I mean, I'm not making light at all, and I take her at her word that she feels paralyzed

by a sense of self-condemnation.

So let me see what I can say, and I really do believe that the Lord has the answer here,

...