PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• When I read Revelation, old doubts and fears start to resurface. In my mind, self-condemnation starts as I read the words of Jesus, “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done” (Revelation 22:12 ESV).
I don’t want to be repaid for what I’ve done. Knowing my imperfections as I do, that verse is terrifying to me. While some egos may read that verse in a different tone, I cannot. And every time I get to that part of Scripture, I have to remind myself that I am redeemed and my deeds were paid for at the cross.
In 1 John 3:19-20 ESV, it says, “By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.” While it’s shameful to recognize that God knows everything, there’s also comfort in knowing that no matter how horrible am or I’ve been, nothing is (or ever has been) a surprise to Him. God is greater than the condemnation of my heart.
But still, I can’t help but wish that there was a follow up to Jesus’ Words in Revelation. Maybe quoting Romans 8:1 would have been good there… “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (ESV). Thankfully, that’s a part of God’s Word and when we read Revelation, we can flip back to Romans for that reminder.
Satan loves it when we condemn ourselves. He will use our past to “poke the bear,” and shame us into thinking our sins are the only sins God can’t (won’t) forgive. But just as Jesus extended forgiveness to a thief on a cross—someone who could not commit to making lifestyle changes or reverse his bad choices—He offers the same to us. And the thing is, even with changes in habits, priorities, and mindset, we still are unworthy.
But our worth isn’t determined by our actions. Praise the Lord for that truth! Our worth is determined by His love.
Today, as you pray, thank God for redemption. Thank Him for His lavish grace, mercy, forgiveness, love. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you overcome self-condemnation by focusing not on what you’ve done, but on what Jesus did.
