Dirck van Delen, 1604/5-1671
Church Interior with the Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican (Luke 18:9-14)
Oil on Panel, 1653
Clark Art Institute
Humility allows me to see the truth of my talents, blessings, and strengths as well as my failings, shortcomings, and weaknesses. I will never be perfect, but the all of me—without pretense or justification, shame or pride—is my gift to God. I know God always welcomes me and my humble gift with love, forgiveness, and compassion.
“‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’” Luke 18:13b
Mary Ann McSweeny 
Mary,
How do you come up with our shortcomings, failures, and weaknesses as being our “gift to God?” I would love to think of them that way, but instead it goes in the other direction. Is it because when you offer them to God it is done without “pretense, justification, shame or pride?” Thanks. Love you and God Bless, SR
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Hi, SR –
“The all of me” includes “my failings, shortcomings, and weaknesses” as well as “my talents, blessings, and strengths.” God knows and wants the all of me, not just the part I think is acceptable. Humility allows me to admit the exact details of who I am – positive and negative – and faith allows me to trust in God’s mercy.
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Makes sense and thanks for helping me with that. I like what you said about, “not just the part I think is acceptable.” Sometimes I think that is where I get confused. Most of the time I only want to offer to God the “good” in me, and ignore the rest. (For lack of a better term)
From this I am understanding God does except my virtues and the other He sends His mercy upon. Jesus did not die for the “good” in me, did He Mary? He died for my sins. Really how thoughtless of me not to go to the mercy of the Cross for them. Thank you Beautiful Soul. God Bless, SR
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