Weak and Broken Vessels

This from a friend ... during an e-mail exchange about suffering and it's effect on our character ...

I don't think there is anything we can say to justify any behaviour that isn't bathed in humility, mercy and love. And even then, our actions are only justified if they are the Lord's. Remember, we are weak and broken vessels. Only vessels, anything good that comes out of us is only from the Lord. He gets credit, even for our best self control (interestingly, a fruit of the Spirit). Anything that comes out of us that is anything but unadulterated Jesus is covered by the blood as we recognize our broken and empty state. This is humility! To KNOW that all our righteousness is as filthy rags. "I am dark but You call me lovely." I know that I am nothing, I truly am dark, but my value is in Your declaration that I am lovely. Your Words flow over me and I am changed, transformed in the splendor of Your love.