People get focused on the wrong parts of the Bible, on how we are sinners, and they start talking about repentance and judgment and unworthiness.
Acknowledgment of sin is important; it keeps us honest, reminds us to be humble, and helps us think twice before judging others. But at least as important is faith in Christ as the redeemer of our sins. If we have that faith, then there is no need to waste all our time worrying about what vile creatures we are; we are forgiven for that. Do you think God really wants to hear his creations constantly bemoaning how ugly they are? I think he'd rather us try, while remaining humbled by our imperfections, try to show him how beautiful we can be.
Don't fixate on the Old Testament. It gives history for the sake of understanding (it is not an extended allegory), and it serves as a pretty good guide for what not to do.
The guide for how to live comes in the New Testament, comes with Christ.
The number one tenet of Christianity: Love your neighbor as your love yourself; love God above all else in heart and soul and mind and strength. Never forget this.
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