Hebrews 4:15-16
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
I was first introduced to these verses by my dad, and they have been a favorite ever since.
On this particular day, the phrase that came to life for me was this: in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. I get upset with myself for having imperfect thoughts and desires. I feel unworthy and want to shrink away from God. To me, this verse said that Christ experienced these same imperfect thoughts and desires, but that did not make him unclean. If he was truly tempted in all points the way we are, then he must have felt jealousy, anger, lust, despair and a longing to do all kinds of things that were not right. It occurred to me that I do not need to beat myself up for those thoughts and feelings--for feeling tempted. It is not the fact that we feel tempted that we need to focus on, but rather what we do in the face of that temptation. I felt stronger when I thought that instead of worrying so much about what a bad person I am for having these impure thoughts and desires, I can focus on not acting on them. In other words, being tempted is not a sin in and of itself. I find it extremely comforting to imagine Christ experiencing the exact same temptations I do. I truly believe that he did, and it makes me feel like I'm not alone at all, and that he is not feeling disgusted with me. If I can say, "Okay, this is a temptation. There is nothing wrong with feeling tempted," it frees up a lot of my energy and strength to focus on what I will choose to do next.
There is a good companion scripture to this one that I will end with.
Hebrews 2: 16-18
For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
