What we want in the midst of keeping score and counting up wrongs is to win. But the way of grace is that victory has already been accomplished in all the ways we really need and want. If we no longer have to fight for another’s approval for assurance, no longer need applause for motivation, and no longer need another’s affirmation in order to know our God-given purpose, then we no longer need to go to battle in order to receive it. Any offense toward us doesn’t mar the image of God printed on our souls; our identities are secure in him.
