Moving Forward…and Leaving Condemnation Behind

"I don't know if I continue, even today, always liking myself. But what I learned to do many years ago was to forgive myself. It is very important for every human being to forgive herself or himself because if you live, you will make mistakes- it is inevitable. But once you do and you see the mistake, then you forgive yourself and say, 'Well, if I'd known better I'd have done better,' that's all."-Maya Angelou

The definition of Sin is “Missing the Mark.” Whether intentional or unintentional, sin in our lives separates us from God and makes it difficult to obtain (blocks) the full blessings that He has waiting for us. The bible consistently mentions the importance of scrutinizing and examining our own (not everyone else’s) conduct and works, and checking for any areas that may not be under subjection to the spirit. In today’s times, sin seems to be a dirty word, but realistically, if we want to be healed, we are to recognize it exists, and constantly evaluate whether or not we have sinful behavior lingering in our lives…areas that we are missing God’s mark in.

Instead of making excuses for why it’s there, we are instructed to cut it out/off and remove it. The problem with sin is that many times it feels good to your flesh to do. Let’s be honest: If it felt bad, it would be so easy to get rid of. It’s like eating a candy every day that you really enjoy, and then realizing one day that you have a mouth full of cavities and lifelong diabetes. You loved eating the candy, but the results had a severe impact on your life and health. Unresolved sin is that way. Although it may bring momentary pleasure, the end result is death and destruction.

 The Holy Spirit within us is sent for three reasons: to Comfort, to Guide, and Convict us. Healthy conviction of sinful behavior is normal. We are supposed to feel bad when we sin. Conviction is what allows us to admit our sin, and causes us repent, and implement correction: change for the better. We must always be open to and not despise conviction or correction by the Spirit. (Job 5:17) But there is a difference between Conviction and Condemnation. One of the greatest tactics of the enemy is to tempt you into doing wrong things, and then once you do them, to bind you up into a state of condemnation and guilt. Condemnation is that feeling that you are no longer worthy of love and acceptance from God because of sinful things that you have done in your past. You feel that you no longer “qualify” to call yourself a Christian or minister to others. However, the word not only states that nothing can separate you from Gods Love, but that you CANT qualify yourself anyway, because you are saved by grace.

Grace is unmerited favor: Getting a blessing that you don’t deserve. God’s gift of redemption and righteousness are free, and paid for on the cross. There is nothing you can ever do good enough to earn them!

“But He said to me: My Grace is Sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness.”-2 Cor. 12:9

When you repent of your sins (ask for forgiveness and turn away from them) then God immediately forgives you, and no longer remembers the sin...throwing it as far as the east is from the west (Psalms 103:12)-but then you must forgive yourself.  Once you resolve that in your spirit, accept God’s unconditional love and forgiveness, and forgive yourself for your past actions, you can overcome the lies of the enemy… and remove condemnation once and for all.

Let me be clear: Condemnation is from the Enemy. The enemy desires to keep us bound to sin with guilt, shame, and accusation. Telling us that our past was too 'bad' that we can never please God, and that what we've done is beyond forgiveness. This shame will cause you to hide and attempt to cover up your sin, and even make excuses for it. This makes you push further away from God, and towards others that will accept the sin.  Like with Adam and Eve, usually sin produces the desire to run, and hide, and even pretend that its’ someone else’s fault.

That is not God. God is unconditional LOVE. When we ask, God forgives and throws our sins, east from west. Meditate on that concept, and know that even while we are sinners, God loved us still!!

I have been guilty of many things in my own past. After being caught up in an emotionally adulterous affair, I felt guilty and unworthy to be called a Christian. I heard from others that I was either a ‘hypocrite’ or ‘fake’, whenever I tried to get my life on the right track and put God first, I was reminded of my failures.  It always sent me into a shame spiral that caused me to attempt suicide, and even ended up driving me to seek comforts within the same behaviors that I was trying to avoid. It felt to me as if the only time that I found love and self- worth was through my sin. However, I eventually realized that when it comes to bitter people: misery loves company.  People who are not obeying God in their own lives desire to find flaws in those who are, to make themselves feel better about their own actions. When people try to remind you of your past, don’t allow it. No one is perfect, and it’s not about the falling, but the staying down. Every Christian was someone who needed forgiveness, grace and mercy themselves, and should be all the more ready to offer it to others.  I am now no longer ashamed of my past, but attempt to use it to assist others in obtaining freedom in their own lives.

Bottom line: forgive YOURSELF! Silence the voices in your head with the Word of God, and let Him restore your heart to healing and wholeness. Its time to step out of the ‘shame cycle, and stop allowing the devil and others to rent space in your head with their accusations and slander.

“But He said to me: My Grace is Sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness.”-2 Cor. 12:9

I advise you today to do this action assignment: Write out the ways that condemnation and self-pity/doubt have affected your life and relationships, and look up and then write the definition of the word “sufficient.” Read 2 Cor. 12:9 again, and tell why God’s Grace is now sufficient to forgive your sins, and overcome your future temptations!

Allow Gods Grace to heal you from the Inside out!

 

~Myckelle W.