Romans 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Paul has said that sin is a problem not simply because it is wrong but because its wrongness poisons who we are with God. We try to do good, but evil is right there beside us. At times we don’t even understand why we get stuck in it. But we belong to Jesus. That is both the starting and the ending point in this discussion. I belong to Jesus, and regardless of the battle, or the reality of evil and sin in my life, or the damage it does, or what I do, or how well I understand myself, I still belong to Jesus. That is why I keep going to him for guidance, strength, confession, and forgiveness. Who I am is not about the battle in which I find myself; it’s about whom I follow. This statement is crucially important: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” When I genuinely come to Jesus, it doesn’t matter if Satan or anyone else points a finger. In fact, in place of condemnation, God gives me the Spirit by which I am to live. That’s my focus, my freedom. It’s a new day. Thanks be to God, who says it’s true!
Lord Jesus, regardless of yesterday or the days before, today is a new day with you. Help me to live in the freedom of all that this means, in love for you and for others. In your name, Amen.
