“So there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.”
Romans 8:1 NLT
There is no condemnation for those who are in right relationship with Jesus Christ. Condemnation says that you are damned and under the wrath of God. If you are in Christ this is not your reality. A lot of people struggle with walking through failures as they follow Jesus. I have personally walked through personal battles with condemnation as a Christian and as a pastor I have witnessed many others walk through the same struggle. I would fail in one area or another and sometimes even go through times of depression as a result of it. By the grace of God I can make my boast in Jesus and say that I no longer struggle with condemnation. I would like to share with you how Jesus set me free and I hope that those who might be struggling with condemnation will share my freedom in Christ as well.
One of the most important lessons that I learned by studying the scriptures and by the leading of the Holy Spirit, was to recognize the difference between condemnation and conviction. Since I have already defined condemnation, let’s turn our attention to conviction. Conviction is from God. Conviction is when God reveals to us our sin. When we miss the mark the Holy Spirit brings conviction to our lives. When we hear a message that reveals an area in our lives that does not line up with God’s word we experience conviction as result. Again, conviction is a work of God’s Spirit not man’s efforts. When conviction comes the truth is revealed in order to push us toward Jesus. Condemnation promotes hopelessness but conviction says that there is a way out. Even when a disciple of Jesus sins they are not cast out of God’s family. Just like a loving parent, God brings His correction to our lives in order to keep us on the path that leads to life.
If you find yourself in a place of failure as a believer do not fall into condemnation. Just know that God has not cast you out of His family. There may be consequences that you have to walk through but there is also forgiveness. Learn to embrace the conviction of the Holy Spirit. He love you and desires the best for you. Remember that God’s correction is proof positive that we are His children.
