Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin.” (1 John 3:4-5 NIV)

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1, NIV)

Many years ago, I taught in a school where the principal blamed her teachers for her own mistakes. As soon as she realized she had done something in error, she would seek a teacher to blame it on. Fortunately the teachers were united; but most of the teachers were extremely discouraged.

It is sad to say that when this principal retired, the staff were ecstatic. Yahoo! No more condemnation, no more being blamed for things they didn’t even do. It felt so good.

There are Christians who think that our Heavenly Father condemns us. They go though life downhearted and discouraged.

When Jesus came to this world, He came to save, not to condemn. He came to forgive our sins. Although He, Himself never sinned, He took our sins upon Himself to the cross. He died for us, so that our sins could be forgiven. The evil one could not stop this, and this means that anyone who trusts in Jesus can be assured that there is NO condemnation. Jesus took our sins; we don’t need to even bring them to mind. We are forgiven!

“But, I do still sin. Am I condemned?”

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:17 NIV)

Instead of feeling guilty, ask for forgiveness of those you have hurt.

There was one time that I got really annoyed at my vice principal because of too many changes in our school.

That evening, I realized I was wrong. The next day, I went to see the vice-principal and asked her forgiveness. She was amazed. We became friends that day.

God forgives.

Remember: “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” (Ephesians 1:7 NIV). The truth is, you are completely and irrevocably forgiven. Jesus took your blame, so that you could live free of condemnation. If you fail, don’t condemn yourself. Come to Jesus and ask for His forgiveness. He will say: “I have forgiven you a long time ago, while I was on the cross.

May we also forgive people who annoy us. They can become friends of yours as well.

Who does our Heavenly Father justify? Did Jesus die to justify the godly or the ungodly?

I assure you that He came for the ungodly: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” (Romans 1:16 NIV)

Enjoy getting to know our Heavenly Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. You are blessed!

Rob Chaffart

(To access the entire “Experiencing Our Heavenly Father” devotional series, please click here.)