There Is No Condemnation If You Belong to Jesus
BY RICK WARREN — OCTOBER 24, 2014
“There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.”(Romans 8:1, NLT)
The Bible says you won’t be perfect after you become a Christian. If someone tells you that, they’re not telling the truth. You’re going to mess up. You’re going to fail at times. And most likely you (or others) will beat yourself up for your failures.
But, if you’re a follower of Jesus, you can be sure of this: The Lord never condemns you.
Way too many believers live in fear, bitterness, and insecurity. Although they’re saved, you’d never know it by how they live. They’re too stressed out with fear that God will condemn them for what they’ve done wrong. Instead of dealing with their own guilt, they pile it on to others.
Yet the Bible says there’s no need: “There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1 NLT).
In other words, God doesn’t judge you for all the things you’ve done wrong if you’ve trusted Christ. Jesus took all that judgment upon himself on the cross. God doesn’t have to judge you because Jesus was judged. He took the rap for your sins!
That’s amazing news. That is good news — the Good News! There’s no reason for a Christian to walk around in shame. There’s no reason to be bitter or to live in shame. Before you were ever born, he knew every sin you’d ever commit — and he paid for them.
I don’t care what you’ve done in your past. I don’t care who you’ve hurt. I don’t care what other people tell you. If you’ve given your life to Christ, you’re forgiven.
Talk It Over
- Is there a mistake from your past for which you’re having trouble forgiving yourself? What can you do about it now?
- Why do you think we find it so difficult to accept Jesus’ forgiveness for the sins we’ve committed?
With Your Whole Heart
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might…"
(Ecclesiastes 9:10, NIV)
(Ecclesiastes 9:10, NIV)
TODAY'S WORD:
When you do something to the best of your ability because you want to honor God, it opens the door to His blessing. That means it will be easier, it will go better, and you will accomplish more. That’s why no matter what we do, we should give it our best. This is especially true even in the little things. For example, when you’re doing the dishes or mowing the lawn, don’t drag around sour and frustrated. Mow with enthusiasm! Mow like you’re on a mission from God. With every step, thank God that your legs work. Thank Him that you’re healthy and strong. At the office, don’t just do enough to get by. You’re not working unto people; you’re working unto God. Do it with your whole heart. When you volunteer at church, don’t wake up and think, “Awe, man. Why did I volunteer? I want to sleep in!” No, serve Him with all your heart because that’s what honors God. When you honor God, He’ll honor you. He’ll open the door to His blessing, and you’ll see increase in every area of your life!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father, thank You for Your hand of blessing on my life. I choose today to serve You with my whole heart and do everything to the best of my ability. Thank You for Your faithfulness and blessing in my life in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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