Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Strong in Grace: The gift of no condemnation

 
You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:1 NKJV





  Not long ago we were in a study concerning becoming strong in Grace. We saw we could be strong in many things. The traditions of men, our own feelings, or we could be strong in the Grace of God. 

 It seemed good to me to return to this study. I sensed it strong in my spirit, that we need the message of God's Grace now more than ever. Today, we want to look at an important area we all need to address to become stronger and stronger in Grace. The area of condemnation.

 Condemnation is not always apparent in its working. It can be administered slowly and subtly over time. It can sometimes portray itself as something to help you better yourself. Or to bring awareness of a situation or thought process in your life.

 Don't be mislead or deceived into buying into condemnation's lies. No matter how subtle or how straightforward its message is the same. There is something wrong with you. You, yourself are the problem. You don't measure up. 

 A doctor telling a diabetic, eating those candy bars is detrimental to your health, isn't condemnation. He is separating an action from the person's identity, but someone telling you that you are your own problem, your own worst enemy, you always mess up is condemnation. Condemnation carries accusations with it.

The Gift of no condemnation

  God has bestowed upon us the greatest gift after the New Birth, the Baptism with the Spirit, the gift of no condemnation.
 
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus Romans 8:1 NLT

 In Christ Jesus, there is no condemnation. No shame. No accusation. No guilt. No looking down from Heaven in disappointment. No arms folded in disgust. No distancing by our Father when we fail. No turning away by our Father, no matter what we've done. Only open arms and outstretched hands and rushing toward us with restoration and reception. 

 God is for us never against us. God is on our side. He believes the best of us. He isn't angry with us. In Christ Jesus, there is now no condemnation.

 Throughout this week, I encourage you to pause, ponder, and meditate on this passage. To think often, that God has indeed given you the gift of no condemnation. It will free your mind of fear and worry and anger and resentment towards others.

 In summation, trust in God. Rest in His Finished Work. Rejoice in this grand truth, that God has given us the gift of no condemnation. Be strong in His Grace. There is no more condemnation in Christ! 

Image by Tumisu from Pixabay 

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