To condemn yourself or others isn’t a good idea.
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus . . . who walk according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:1 NKJV
The word of God does not say “sure lets condemn each other just a little bit.” Nup, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. None. Does God say that there is some condemnation . . .? No. It says, “there is NO condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Regardless of our sin, we are not guilty we are not condemned. We know the one who is the forgiver of sins. We go to our Heavenly Father for forgiveness and he does not give us condemnation instead of forgiveness. No he forgives our sin and wants to have us live guiltlessly and free from sin and condemnation through Him.
When a true Christian commits a sin, they will feel a conviction through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will then show them their sin or error of their ways and the Christian will realise they just sinned against God. When we follow 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” then we are truly set free from that sin. We are righteous through Christ. Psalm 103:12 says “as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.” Even though we remember our sin, God does not. Sometimes our minds or satan will replay our past sins. This is to tie us up in knots and to try and confuse us into thinking that we are not forgiven after all and that we are still in slaved or in bondage to sin. Though other people remember or condemn us for our past sin, God does not. We are set free from the bondage of sin through Christ.
The Holy Spirit guides and corrects us. Sometimes God will use others to help us along on our journey of life. But God does NOT use other people even discerning “Godly” people to be condemning, fault find or be negative about you. If and when God does use others for correction over a certain matter or situation there will be conviction through the Holy Spirit and a peace about it. Yes, even if it requires some change for you. If you don’t have peace about it and you feel condemned then I would like to suggest that, that particular correction is not from God.
Corrie Ten Boom said this: “Discernment is God’s call to intercession, never to faultfinding.” Corrie is suggesting when or if we discern something is wrong or if we find a fault in our brother or sister, we should pray. Good plan, don’t ya think! After all our God is all knowing and He knows our brother or sisters faults or sin far more intimately than you or I. For that matter, I’m pretty sure he know’s our faults and sin too.
1 Corinthians 4:3-5 says “I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.”
Wow, what a powerful piece of scripture. So we can be imperfect, saved people, with clear consciences. AND free from the bondage of condemnation and sin! I can almost hear you sigh in relief! Or is that some toe tapping are you getting ready to jump for joy?
Have a blessed day 🙂
Living In Grace 