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There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:1 ESV
So now the case is closed . There remains no accusing voice of condemnation against those who are joined in life-union with Jesus, the Anointed One.
Romans 8:1 TPT
Isn’t it great that when we give our lives to Jesus, He wipes all our sins away? I mean, He forgets them as far as the east is to the west (Psalm 103:12). But wouldn’t be also great if He could wipe away the memories, shame, and regret we feel over some of the things we did or went through before we met Him? Well, I’m sure He could remove them if He wanted to but maybe there’s a reason He doesn’t.
None of us are perfect. What if the Bible had left out the stories about how David sinned with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11), or how Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to it (Numbers 20)? Or when Peter betrayed Jesus the night Jesus was arrested (John 18:15-27). We wouldn’t have had the opportunity to learn from their mistakes.
Everything you experienced before you met Jesus has a purpose. It’s part of your story and partially responsible for the person you are now. But more than that, the lessons you learned from those negative experiences are valuable to someone who is going through the same thing now. By telling your story, you can help them avoid making the same mistakes you did.
Your experiences allow you to sympathize with others. See things from their point of view. And lets them know they are not alone. When you tell the addict on the street how God delivered you from alcohol or drug addiction, they know that if God did it for you, He can do it for them too. When you share about how provided for you during a financial crisis with the person who just got laid off, it gives them hope.
So don’t be afraid to tell your story. The good and the bad. There is no condemnation for those of us who are in Christ Jesus. God forgives our sins as far as the east is from the west, but He leaves us with the memories so that we can help lead others out of the dark places where we once lived.
Prayer: Lord, you have forgiven all my sins but sometimes I still feel shame and regret when I remember my past. Help me to understand that there is purpose in my past and when I have an opportunity give me the courage to share my story in a way that helps lead others to you.
© Deborah Ruck @ As Bold As THE Lion blog
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