Now With Natalie: Identity Sample

The Nature of Grace

Have you ever felt condemned? Judged? Sentenced to a punishment that you didn’t want or felt you didn’t deserve?

Condemnation is common to the human experience, which is what makes Romans 8:1 all the more essential to remember.

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (ESV).

In Jesus, we are no longer under condemnation. Yes, we’re still responsible for our actions, including the wrong things we do. But we are no longer condemned. Romans 5:1–2 shows us:

By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us — set us right with him, make us fit for him — we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that’s not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand — out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise (MSG).

If you’ve felt weighed down, burdened by the mistakes of your past or circumstances of your present, be encouraged today that God wants to help you. He’s ready to meet you where you are. And He wants to help you move forward in the empowerment of His forgiveness and grace.

Personal Reflection

How would you define God’s grace? Have you let shame dictate what you believe about yourself and your future? What is the Holy Spirit telling you?