God’s Hope for Your Heart from John 3
JESUS DIDN’T COME TO CONDEMN YOU
For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because He has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. (John 3:17-18)
Again and again, Jesus surprised both the curious and the critical.
To the tax collectors and “sinners,” He was a friend who brought them near instead of pushing them away. To the religious leaders, He was a thorn in their flesh who refused to endorse their attitude of exclusion.
He didn’t accept unrighteousness or allow people to live however they wished, but the way in which He called people to faith was to oppose the sin while still embracing the sinner.
He wants to do the same for you today.
Jesus calls all people to repent, to turn away from sin and follow Him in holiness. Yet, He does this through the conviction of the Holy Spirit, not the condemnation of a religious rule-keeper.
What’s the difference?
Conviction addresses your BEHAVIOR.
Condemnation attacks your IDENTITY.
Conviction brings sadness about what you’ve DONE.
Condemnation brings shame about who you ARE.
If you’re in Christ, He has called you to a life of following Him, and here’s good news. If and when you stumble along the road, He’s not standing by with an eviction notice to kick you out of the Kingdom. He’s ready to embrace you in forgiveness to get you back on the path to joy!
So, however your walk with Christ is going right now, may you find hope as you embrace this encouraging truth: Jesus didn’t come to condemn you.
-Pastor Phillip
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