Weekend Worship—Which do You Live By—Guilt or Grace?

So now, those who are in Christ Jesus are not judged guilty. Through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit that brings life made you free from the law that brings sin and death. Romans 8:1-2 

It had happened…again. I’d sworn it wouldn’t happen, but it had. And I’d made the promise just last week. I’d cried out to God during my morning prayers, promising to do better, to be more careful. This wasn’t the first time I’d confessed this weakness. I’d wrestled with this temptation again and again. 

What kind of a person was I that I’d fall so easily back into the middle of temptation? My repeated lapses made me wonder if I was even a believer.

Those were dark days. But coming through them has given me confidence.

Not in myself…never in me. But in God. 

He was always there to pick me up when I fell, always waiting to extend grace and give me another go. I was the one who struggled with shame and condemnation. And that condemnation NEVER came from Him.

Oh don’t get me wrong. I know it hurt Him when I gave in to sin. But He didn’t return that hurt with punishment. He returned it with patience, grace, and love. I discovered I couldn’t out-sin His mercy.

Do I still struggle? You better believe it. But I’m quicker to admit my failings, and less willing to listen to the false guilt that comes from my enemy. 

Satan lashes my soul with guilt, but God extends infinite grace.