Don't Let Your Heart Condemn You

"All He wants is relationship and commitment through obedience to Him in word and deed."

"And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation." - Romans 5:9 -

Condemnation is one of the key plans that Satan uses to dampen our relationship with Christ. You know, the burden of guilt, the feeling of rejection and the idea that God doesn't want you back with the bonus that our purpose is destroyed & unclear? Striving for perfection then falling short with the heavy criticism. All of it! Growing up with parents who are leaders in church, I was constantly reminded of the devil, knowing that God made me for a purpose. "You are different," or the infamous ones, "You are a leader" and "I want you to be 10 times better than I was," were always repeated. Just hearing those words you can feel the pressure to either accept your true identity in Christ or to do your own thing. As I went through the UWI, pressure pushed me to choose the latter. It seemed easier; I would get the love of others along with some friends because I was lonely. But I had relationships that were out of timing and lost a part of myself. Losing my identity was then a burden because my decisions had led to that point. Romans 12 says, "Now there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus". True, BUT check seven chapters prior, in Romans 5. Christ giving up His life for us when He was on Earth gives us now the opportunity to come before God and encounter Him in a relationship. All wrongs removed, we are new. Furthermore, He becomes our Advocate, Father, Friend. He is there always. All He wants is relationship and commitment through obedience to Him in word and deed. To sum up God's desire for sonship/relationship, I had to end my last relationship. In the closing stages and days after, I was an empty shell, and felt guilty. God reminded me that for all the time I was away, He was there waiting. Waiting on me to realize that what I had was not what I needed. Realizing that He was Who I needed allowed for a reunion. Me going outside of His will and holding my hard end were all forgiven. He reaffirmed my identity and made me whole. The same is possible for you! It is as simple as saying, "God I need You amidst where I am now." Just submit and let Him lead.