David G. Benner

You are not simply a sinner; you are a deeply loved sinner.

At root, Stuart was deeply bitter that no one recognized how special he was.

no one seemed to appreciate him for this.

Pride suggested that he deserved special treatment.

When he didn’t get this, he withdrew in hurt and anger.

This, in turn, led to a sense of being cut off and deprived of intimacy.

was not in itself transformational for Stuart.

accepting the emotionally needy little boy who longed for and yet feared loving embrace was.

accepted by God—in the midst of his sin.

freedom only when he accepted himself