No Condemnation

My final thought this week about intimidation is that God’s intention has never been to intimidate his people. He intimidates the enemies of his people but never those who were his. When Jesus came, he extended God’s promises to everyone beyond the Jewish people. Those of us who in the past would never have been included in the protection of the Almighty, creator of all things, can now call him our protector.

At the same time, when we enter into relationships with him, we know he will not condemn us. He wants the best for us and wants us to live holy lives, but the days of condemnation are gone.

“Jesus finds you and me and says, I think, the same thing he said to a woman who faced the condemnation of everyone around her: ‘Has no one condemned you? Then neither do I condemn you!’” (Messy Spirituality by Mike Yaconelli. p. 75)

If you have never heard anyone say, “I do not condemn you,” please read this as God says it today. God wants you to be a part of his family and wants you to be set free from all of your past actions. He wants you to know you are loved and accepted.

“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.” –Romans 8:1-2 NLT

If you have questions about what all this means, please get in touch with me. I’d be happy to talk with you more about it.