Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:38-39)
I just want to leave this scripture here and stare. Write nothing further. Seeing it over a social media feed encouraged me greatly.
It’s been a few weeks now of wondering if the cloud over my head, between God and I, is my imagination. Who put it there? It’s been hard to pray. Hard to feel worthy. Or loved. Or cared for.
It’s crazy how difficult times can mess with our heads and then … remind us of past difficult times and they stack one on top of another, the weight overwhelming.
Sin had taken root, I now know. It caused a separation. Within my heart and mind.
But Jesus, when faced with a crowd of people accusing a woman of adultery (John 8:1-11), He stooped over to write in the dirt. Mayhap to think, to bring clarity and calm to the situation. And then He stood, rebuking the accusers and not the sinner. When all had left, He asked where her accusers were. He was kind, gentle. Correcting in love.
We all sin. Is it separating us from God? Yes! But there’s access to the throne and it hasn’t disappeared because I’m not perfect.
So today, I marveled at His love and gracious faithfulness. To me. I’ve had some bad weeks. I may have more. I will continue to seek His face and follow my Savior, hoping for more days of basking in His love for me versus a condemnation that isn’t there.
He gently whispers, “Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.”
Are there ways that help you combat feelings of unworthiness or sin itself that so easily entangles? Share your answers in the comments below.
That verse is so important to me. Jesus’ gentleness towards that woman must have rebuked the men ready to stone her. After all, no one commits adultery alone.
Amen. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Alice. <3
Even when we have an off day (I’ve had a few of those), isn’t it good that His grace covers us?
Yes! It happens so often. God is faithful <3
I love this encouraging reminder, Laura! It’s just what I needed today. Jesus is so gracious. So faithful. He is so good. My pastor actually preached about this very thing yesterday. No matter how messed up we are, we are covered by the blood of Christ.
Awesome. So encouraging to reread these words for me also. Thank you, Jesus. <3
Thank you for the encouragement. I really need to be reminded often that God isn’t condemning me.
I am so thankful that his grace and his mercy that is new every day
I don’t feel unworthy because Jesus values me and I have purpose. My takeaway from this post is to show more grace towards others, to be more like Jesus in this way.
We should see Jesus’ example of doing two of the most loving things:
1-He did not degrade her in front of others but he did acknowledge her sin.
2-he told her to sin no more.
His true love did not want her to continue to see her hurt by the sin that so entangles.
He doesn’t want to see us hurt by our sin either. It’s loving to bring people out of their sin.
This is awesome. So soothing to listen to your sweet voice. Yes, He does not condemn us.
That is such a great place to rest! God ‘s grace gave us Jesus whose blood cleanses us. Awesome stuff.