Now no condemnation

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1-2, NIV)

Did you ever notice that God has a funny of bringing scripture to our attention at just the right moment? I had one of those experiences this weekend.

Last week, I sent out an email with a bit too much haste. When I reread the email a day later, I realised that my attitude had been filled with pride. (Isn't pride the root cause of most of our sin?) Even though the email was only one or two lines long, my proud attitude had come through loud and clear.

I debated how to handle the situation. Offer an apology? Hope that they would forget? Wait a few days before acting? I decided to apologise right then and there via email. It felt good to get that off my chest, but I wondered how long I'd have to wait for a reply.

As it turns out, I didn't have to play the waiting game for very long because I received the reply about a minute later. The apology was accepted and appreciated. However, if you've ever apologised for something, you know that there is that lingering feeling in the back of your mind, wondering if the relationship has been damaged. Forgiven, but not necessarily reconciled.

On Sunday evening, I was reading Romans 7 and 8. When I came across Romans 8:1-2 (see above), I felt such a feeling of joy. What wonderful words! "There is now no condemnation." I am free. "There is now no condemnation." No need to worry. "There is now no condemnation." God has forgiven me.

I know that this truth isn't particularly deep or earth-shattering, but, for me, it was a great reminder that for all of us who trust in God, He no longer condemns us.

We can't force others to forgive us, although we can offer an apology and attempt to reconcile. However, Jesus promises us that we are no longer condemned and are forgiven. And if He doesn't condemn us, then we shouldn't condemn ourselves, either.