Condemnation or Correction?

There is therefore no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).
We are holy and blameless in His sight (Ephesians 1:4).
Jesus was not sent to condemn us (John 3:17).

We are not condemned but we, as His children, often need correction. How do we discern the difference?

Condemnation says “you” are internally flawed. Condemnation says you are your mistake. It leads to guilt, hopelessness, running from God, feeling unworthy. Often, condemnation leads to a self-fulfilling prophecy – I am guilty so my behavior follows that guilty verdict.

God does not condemn us. He does not send people to condemn us.

Correction says “you” are internally righteous by the blood of Jesus, let me help you be who you are. Correction says you are NOT your mistake. There is hope in correction. There is freedom in correction. Correction reminds us that we have left our caterpillar state and are now beautiful butterflies.

God corrects us. He sends people to correct us.

We must discern if God is correcting us or if our enemy is condemning us.

Agreeing with condemnation makes us impotent.
Ignoring correction makes us arrogant.

Agreeing with condemnation makes us unreachable.
Ignoring correction makes us unteachable.

Agreeing with condemnation or ignoring correction are both dangerous in the life of a believer.

But God never gives up on us. Regardless if we are believing the lie we are condemned or the lie no man can correct us, God is pursuing us. He is pouring out His love upon us so that we can soar as the beautiful butterflies we have been called to be.

My friends, let us learn to reject condemnation yet embrace correction. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you discern between Condemnation and Correction.

“And have you forgotten his encouraging words spoken to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t underestimate the value of the discipline and training of the Lord God, or get depressed when he has to correct you. For the Lord’s training of your life is the evidence of his faithful love. And when he draws you to himself, it proves you are his delightful child.””
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:5-6‬ ‭TPT‬‬