There is a difference between conviction and condemnation. Conviction tells us what is right and wrong, but condemnation says that “we are wrong”. Condemnation defines who we are out of what we’ve done, destines us to a future of shame and punishment, and gives us not only guilt for our actions but shame in our identity. 

Romans 8:1 tells us that if we believe and live our lives with Jesus, we are no longer subject to condemnation. The power that Jesus brings is knowing the truth that shame does not have a place in our relationship with God. He sees us, understands us, loves us at our worst, and leads us to a place where we can be free of everything in our past. 

As you go through this week, read through these passages and let God’s word reveal new truths to you and let those truths set you free.

John 5:24 (NIV)
“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.”

Romans 5:1-11 (NIV)
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

In your prayer time, take time to pray through these things…

-What are the things in your past that have stood or stand between you and God?
-Ask God what it looks like to live more fully in the freedom he has given you. As you have this conversation with him, write down the things that come to mind.