When You Feel Condemnation Reading The Bible

Heb 4:12-16
12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

I like this section of scripture because it ties together how the Word will cut through everything and show us all that is within us, but then comforts us with the knowledge that Jesus knows all about us, but doesn’t condemn us. He feels sympathy for us when we are dealing with our flaws and faults and sins.

The Word can separate our thoughts and our intentions for us, showing us incorrect motivations. These are the things God already knows about us, so He is never surprised by what He sees. In contrast, we rarely cease to be surprised by our own shallowness and selfishness, because we so desperately want to think of ourselves as good and not bad.

But Jesus not only knows us through and through, He has experienced life as a man, and understands how hard it is to get it right as a human and not as God. He was tempted in all ways as we are, He just didn’t sin.

So what should our first response be when God reveals our shortcomings to us? We want to run away from Him, but this scripture shows that the correct response is to come boldly to the throne of grace, so we can obtain mercy and help in time of need. So finding flaws in ourselves through God’s Word is a good thing, as it propels us closer to God, the Source of our goodness and righteousness. Continue to let Him point out what is wrong so He can make it right.

Penny Haynes
http://ChristianWomenWithDepression.com