I meet many people who feel condemned and live in shame. I completely understand. I have been there many times. But God does not condemn. He has come to give us freedom from shame and condemnation. The battle is in our minds.

Many confuse conviction with condemnation, but they are polar opposites. The devil condemns. God convicts. What is the difference between the two? Condemnation brings doubt, fear, unbelief and hopelessness. Satan condemns us to bring us down and destroy our faith.

God convicts us to restore us to faith and right standing with Him. Our God always corrects us to build us up, and His conviction always brings hope and a way of escape. I love this promise; “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). God always has a way out for us!

Don’t accept condemnation from Satan or from other people. “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Replace words and thoughts of condemnation with the truth of God’s Word.

When we are real with God and submit completely to Jesus Christ, He makes us completely free! Thank Him for His freedom in your life, and your thoughts and emotions will begin to line up with the truth found in the Word of God. Life is too short to live in shame and condemnation. Choose freedom today.