I remember trying to land my bike after attempting my one and only jump on a neighborhood homemade ramp. Instead, I landed on my knees and still have the scars!

Many have fallen for scams or claim to have fallen in and out of love. But there is one thing we all fall into . . . temptation.

Giving into temptation is called “sin.” When we sin—or disobey God’s command—we need to acknowledge it. We need to confess it to God and straighten things out if others were hurt, perhaps getting help if needed. Then, we move on.

Falling is expected but we are not expected to stay down or continue making that same rebellious “fall.” We should learn from our mistakes and do all we can to not repeat them. Falling is costly. It has consequences and may leave scars. But the mark of sin is not permanent.

Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (NIV). The Message Bible’s paraphrase says, “Since we’ve compiled this long and sorry record as sinners . . . and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us, God did it for us. Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we’re in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ.”

In other words, Jesus took the “fall” for us. Those who choose to believe in Jesus are given the opportunity to stand in righteousness with Him, forgiven and restored into a right relationship with God.

I pray you have joined or will join those who are standing with Jesus.