Each month, I have the privilege of writing an editorial for both Peer and The War Cry, another one of our publications. When I sit down to write, I often try to write from recent experience or something that God has laid on my heart. That is definitely the case this month.

In the summer of 2020, when I was appointed as the Editor of Peer, my first editorial was an introduction of myself. Included was this listicle that sums up who I am:

Jamie

Jesus Follower

Wife, Mom, Sister, Daughter

Cheese Enthusiast

Enneagram 1

Organizer

Analyst

Passionate

Youth Ministry Advocate (Promotor?)

Sweet Tea Running Through My Veins

Jamie

That’s still an accurate list, but there is something there, nicely disguised, that, when you get down to the nitty gritty of it, isn’t always so great. I’m talking about “Enneagram 1,” the type known for the struggle of perfectionism. While there are benefits to perfectionism, there are also some tough things. I want things to be right, to be correct, to be perfect; when they are not right … I struggle. When I mess up, it hits hard. There’s this inner voice that is always critical, always pointing out the flaws. 

But this isn’t how God wants us to live. As humans, we are not perfect. We mess up; it’s our nature. If we didn’t, we would have no need for God’s grace. Just as we need to accept God’s grace, we also need to extend grace to ourselves. Grace over perfection. Offer love and acceptance to ourselves even when we don’t deserve it.

A couple of years ago, I heard this phrase, “Just because it isn’t perfect, doesn’t mean it isn’t good.” I don’t have to be perfect to be good. My work doesn’t have to be perfect to be good. My offering to God doesn’t have to be perfect to be good. Romans 3 tells us that we all fall short—but thank God for Romans 5 which reminds us that even with our flaws, God loves us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us. 

Not when we were perfect. No. Even in our flawed state, He loved us so much that He made the ultimate sacrifice. If God is willing to offer grace, then so can I. So, when you make a mistake, take a deep breath. Do what you can to make it right, but don’t let your mistakes destroy or define you. Grace over perfection.