No Condemnation For Those In Christ

When you come to someone after making a mistake or several mistakes, do you fear their anger and disappointment? When you have fallen short, do you fear being condemned and shamed? You have been raised in a culture that has taught you to expect shame and judgement when you are at your worst. But Jesus already knows your story: past, present, and future. He already knows the worst thing you will ever do in your life and it doesn’t sway His love for you. There is nothing you can come to Jesus with that will surprise Him. There is no need to fear shame or judgement from Him, because He’s already taken care of the worst parts of you when He died on the cross. Even the parts you keep hidden from everyone else. Romans 8 says that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. His loving sacrifice freed you from the chains of sin and death. He did not die for you so He could shame you when you come to Him overburdened and desperate for salvation and healing. He died for you so that He could show you the extent of His love for you. Even when you were full of guilt and undeserving of love, He chose to sacrifice Himself in your place, so that He could spend eternity with you. He welcomes those who come to Him with open arm and joyfully celebrates their return to Him. We get a glimpse of His love and goodness for His wayward children who return Home to Him in the story of the Prodigal Son. While you were still a long ways off in your journey back to Jesus, He saw you coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to you, His beloved child, embraced you and kissed you. He dressed you in His finest clothes and adorned your fingers with jewels and put shoes on your tired feet. He held a grand feast, with the finest foods in celebration of your return. Telling everyone He can “My child was dead and has now returned to life. My child was once lost but now has been found! We must celebrate together!”“ He rejoices in your return to Him. He sacrificed His very life hoping that you would make that journey back to Him. How you got there is forgotten, all that matters to Him is that you came.