Neither do I condemn you .... Go and sin no more.

Neither do I condemn you .... Go and sin no more.

"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus."

"If we confess our sins. He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unroghteousness"

How often do we find ourselves condeming others for small inconveniences or misunderstandings that cause irritations or lack of comfort while in the very same breath we call on the name of Christ. So often a condemning spirit overtakes the nudging of the Holy spirit.
How can we know when it is criticism, confrontation, or constructive instruction. ?

1. Criticism has judgement, malice, condemnation and pride at it's very roots. It offers condemnation without any hope of reconciliation or correction. It limits itself to self interpretation of what is right and is narrow in understanding. Where there is this type of criticism there is usually a lack of compassion and a devaluing of the value of a person
. Often the criticism is the end in and of itself. Intended to make one feel better about themselves at the expense of others

2. Christ confronted sinners regularly. He did so rightfully from a foundation of love, truth, and compassion. He always had an outcome in mind to point people's gaze to forgiveness and obedience to God. His confrontation was always based on scriptural truth and designed to break the sin barrier between man and God. In the temple when Christ confronted the moneychangers and traders for making the house of God a place for gain his anger was directred at the problem and he dealt with authority and outcome in mind.

3. Most of the times The Lord dealt with people with constructive compassionate instruction. Consider the woman at the well where he revealed her spotted past but she walked away with hope in her heart. A new found confidence that she was cared for by her creator in the most intimate way. He knew her deepest secrets and yet pointed her to God. Restoration not condemnation. The hope of a new obedient life. While it was clear in the message as to what was right or wrong, the hope of a new life of burdens lifted by Christ was always central.

Getting away from the natural human desire to criticize as a end of itself means we must take on the serving mind of Christ in every situation we find ourself in. What outcome does He desire and on what do I base my involvment in the matter ? Do I have a solid grip on the goals of Christ or do I have a personal agenda unchecked by a humble spirit before Christ and His hope for the person with whom I am dealing. ?

Psalm 19 : 14. "Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight Oh Lord , my strength and my redeemer "

Peace and blessings to you.
Feel free to pass this on if it has drawn you closer to our Great Saviour.


Jeff Dyk