“What is wrong with us? “

For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. (Romans 7:15 NRSV)

“ . . . we must admit our need.”

Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners. (Mark 2:17 NRSV)

" . . . we can do nothing . . . God has already done . . ."

God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 NRSV)

"Forgiveness brings freedom and new life."

Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. (Psalm 32:1 NRSV)

"True repentance seeks to repair sin’s effects."

If you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, . . . first be reconciled to your brother or sister. (Matthew 5:23b, 24a NSRV)

“We have an opportunity to know God intimately.”

Put away your former way of life, . . . and be renewed in the spirit of your minds. (Ephesians 4:22a, 23 NRSV)

“We are ever more firmly rooted, but always going toward Christ.”

Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 3:18 NRSV)