Church is a place where I can say, unashamedly, I don't need to sin. I need another sinner.
**This quote highlights a profound aspect of the Christian community: it is a space of honest vulnerability and mutual reliance. When we think of church not just as a building or a ritual, but as a family of believers, it becomes clear that true fellowship involves admitting our shortcomings and actively seeking genuine connection with others who share our struggles. The statement—'I don't need to sin. I need another sinner'—reveals that Sin, while personal, often thrives in secrecy and isolation. By acknowledging our imperfections openly, we create a foundation for grace and forgiveness to work more effectively. Recognizing ourselves as ‘sinners’ does not diminish our worth; rather, it underscores our need for grace and community. It allows us to step out of shame and into authenticity, making the church a sanctuary where honesty is welcomed and vulnerability is safe. Such an environment fosters spiritual growth, accountability, and compassion, enabling believers to support one another in their journey towards holiness. Furthermore, the quote challenges the misconception that the church is perfect or that believers should pretend to be without flaws. Instead, it points to the beauty of shared dependence—not on ourselves, but on God's grace expressed through community. When we accept the reality of our imperfections, we can celebrate the transformative power of grace, knowing that salvation and sanctification happen within relationships characterized by humility and love. Ultimately, this perspective invites us to see church as a refuge where authenticity nurtures faith and mutual support reinforces our pursuit of spiritual growth, all rooted in the understanding that we are all, indeed, 'sinners' together, redeemed by grace. (Grace Notes: Daily Readings with a Fellow Pilgrim) ---Philip Yancey---