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The Focus
by Dennis Wheeler
Last week in 'The Central Point' we touched on the issue of FORGIVENESS. Let's continue thinking about that subject today...because FORGIVENESS is such a grace-filled word.
When we trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and accept Him as our Savior - - our sins are forgiven...God's justice has been satisfied...and we are no longer under condemnation. Romans 8:1 promises..."So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus." (NLT)
Yet I meet many Christians who continually carry a feeling of condemnation or punishment. Why do we feel this way?
Could it be...UNFORGIVENESS? If we have willfully sinned against God, many of us are unable to accept His forgiveness. So...since we feel unworthy of being forgiven - we condemn ourselves.
Could it be...CRITICISM? Criticism from others often contains condemnation. When we accept someone else's negative assessment then we are ignoring the value that God places on us.
Could it be...DECEPTION? You see, satan tries to deceive us into thinking we are unforgiven. He is a pro in this area! When we believe his lies, we are rejecting God's loving sacrifice of His Son, who died for ALL of our sins.
Because of God's awesome love we are a brand new creation. Because of God's boundless love He speaks words of love to His wayward children. Because of God's unconditional love His love remains constant, even when we make mistakes.
The cure for the 'cancer' of condemnation is 'LOVE'! The love of our Heavenly Father.
Recall the familiar words of John 3:16-18 ... "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it. There is no judgment awaiting those who trust Him." (NLT)
Today...discard your degrading feelings of condemnation and joyfully accept His love for you!
He serves as the Senior Pastor with southwest Virginia church... a loving church family in Abingdon.
He and his wife Sharon have been married for over 27 years and are the proud parents of two beautiful daughters, one son-in-law, and two precious grandchildren, the second arrived arrived on the scene in September 2004!!
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