It may shock you to discover that some of Jesus’ strongest words were directed at people who were outwardly very good (especially when compared with their neighbors), and yet felt they had no real need for God. Jesus said of them, “On the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy” (Matthew 23:28).

What was their problem? Why did they fail to see that they needed to repent of their sins and submit their lives to God? The reason can be put in one word: pride. They felt they had no need for God to forgive them, and they were convinced they were better than everyone else. And by some standards they were better.

But not by God’s standard! God is absolutely holy and pure, and His standard is nothing less than perfection. If you had committed only one sin during your lifetime—just one —you still would be guilty before God. This is why the Bible says, “There is no one righteous, not even one. … for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:10, 23).

Be thankful for your aunt’s concern; she clearly loves you, and she yearns for you to discover the peace and hope that come to all who put their faith and trust in Jesus. Listen: God takes your sin so seriously that He sent His only Son into the world to give His life for your salvation. By faith turn to Christ and commit your life to Him today.