CONDEMNATION IS NOT OF THE LORD

For God did not send his Son into the world

to condemn the world, but to save the world

through him. -- John 3:17, NIV

I've been feeling such a hodgepodge of contradictory emotions. Gratitude for my many blessings, but also pangs of remorse, and frustration, plus a good measure of guilt and condemnation for being such a wimp when it comes to pain, and for allowing myself to feel overwhelmed by my circumstances. 

I do trust in the Lord, even though my thoughts sometimes belie it. More than anything, I would like to be a person who makes Him happy, and to emulate those people I know who manage to radiate joy despite how their body feels, or how things are looking for them in this physical realm. Instead, I fall so short.

Even though I know condemnation is not of the Lord, I keep feeling condemned about many things. The same old, same old, like not having measured up to what I could have been, having nothing of eternal consequence to show for my life, having squandered my time and talents, being a glutton and procrastinator, a wimp, and now a new one--turning into a money pit for my daughter instead of leaving her an inheritance. 

Instead of getting exasperated with me or turning His back on me, the Lord, yet again, was merciful and kind, comforting me with timely reminders from within the pages of my devotionals. 

From August 11th's reading in our Daily Bread (which I had inadvertently skipped and that remained unnoticed until this more timely day), the reassurance that He loves me because of who I am--even at my worst! So great is His love for me (and the world) that while we were still sinners, He sent Jesus to die on the cross on our behalf (Romans 5:8).

And from a very old devotional by Renee Swope, came a reminder that God convicts us through His Holy Spirit. He does not condemn. Condemnation is of the devil--not God.

The Bible tells us that Satan is an accuser and the father of all lies (John 8:44, Revelation 12:10). He uses generalized statements of condemnation that he causes to run through our thoughts to make us feel guilty and ashamed.

God, on the other hand, through His Holy Spirit, uses specific, solution-oriented convictions to reveal a sinful action or attitude, and always, along with the conviction, an action to take to change it and make it right.

I've said this so many times, but need to say it again. I am thankful beyond words that the Lord never gives up on me, and that He is so patient and longsuffering.