Colossians 3:12-13

Clothe yourselves therefore, as God’s own chosen ones (His own picked representatives), [who are] purified and holy and well-beloved [by God Himself, by putting on behavior marked by] tenderhearted pity and mercy, kind feeling, a lowly opinion of yourselves, gentle ways, [and] patience [which is tireless and long-suffering, and has the power to endure whatever comes, with good temper]. Colossians 3:12

Once again we are told that we have been chosen. God chose us. He picked us out before He ever created anything. We are purified by Christ being in us. We are holy and sanctified by the power of God. We have been set apart for holy use. These are the free gifts that we have been given, in spite of ourselves, so that we can be used by God to serve the world. 

We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren. And those whom He thus foreordained, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified (acquitted, made righteous, putting them into right standing with Himself). And those whom He justified, He also glorified [raising them to a heavenly dignity and condition or state of being]. What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?] Romans 8:28-31

Look at what Paul says. I love this too. This is how we should all feel. 

But [as for me personally] it matters very little to me that I should be put on trial by you [on this point], and that you or any other human tribunal should investigate and question and cross-question me. I do not even put myself on trial and judge myself. 1 Corinthians 4:3

I think that most people are not tenderhearted, kind, or merciful because they are insecure and are condemning themselves. We feel that we are not measuring up or that we are failing, so we look to find faults in others. Misery loves company. But the Truth is that we all measure up because of Grace. So there is absolutely no reason to ever feel condemned. We have been set free and there are no religious laws any longer in place to convict us with. We have complete freedom because of Jesus’ success. 

And such some of you were [once]. But you were washed clean (purified by a complete atonement for sin and made free from the guilt of sin), and you were consecrated (set apart, hallowed), and you were justified [pronounced righteous, by trusting] in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the [Holy] Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:11

We have been pronounced righteous and washed clean. There is no reason to ever feel guilty of sin, because sin is now dead for us. This is the Truth that sets us free. Telling ourselves how bad we are won’t stop condemnation. Trying to keep laws or pass laws won’t do it. The only thing that sets us free is the Truth.