It is inaccurate to think the gospel is what saves non-Christians, and then Christians mature by trying hard to live according to biblical principles. It is more accurate to say that we are saved by believing the gospel, and then we are transformed in every part of our minds, hearts, and lives by believing the gospel more and more deeply as life goes on.

Only on the cross do you have a totally holy God and a totally loving God.

Suffering dispels the illusion that we have the strength and competence to rule our own lives and save ourselves.

When we worry we are saying, 'I know the way my life is supposed to go, and God's not getting it right'.

Those who condemn the self-righteous for the sake of self-discovery do so with ironic self-righteousness.

Our prayers should arise out of immersion in the Scripture. [We] speak only to the degree we are spoken to.

Christians tend to motivate others with guilt. We tend to say: You would do this if you were really committed Christians, indicating that we are committed and all that is needed is for others to become as good as we are! This is why so many churches quench the motivation of people for ministry. In our shoes, Paul would say: Remember the grace God has showered on you—what does living out and enjoying that grace look like in this situation?