NO CONDEMNATION
One of my favorite scriptures is Romans 8:1 (NIV): “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Sometimes we have judgmental tendencies. We judge others, we judge ourselves, heck, we judge just about everything and everybody. Sometimes it seems that nothing is free from our judgment and condemnation. Not even ourselves. Can you imagine everyone walking around clothed in a judicial robe with a gavel? Complete with self-imposed authority? No one could stand a chance. Now imagine a world free of condemnation from oneself and others. Just the thought of it is liberating. I believe God is highly offended when He sees and hears His children judge one another and indulge in self-hatred. I believe God wants us to trust His love for us.
Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV) says, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Additionally, Luke 6:37 (NIV) states, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
These reminders encourage us to step away from judgment and embrace love, both for ourselves and for those around us.
Remember Romans 8:1–4 (NIV):
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”
These verses beautifully expand on the theme of no condemnation and the freedom we have through Christ. They reinforce the idea of living in grace rather than judgment. Now that’s real freedom and independence. Happy Independence Day.
Peace and Love,
—Pastor Dwayne
