Our Scripture meditation is based on Romans 8:1-2, the starts of next week’s Epistle Reading, the Fifth Sunday in Lent. For a meditation on the Gospel Lesson, click HERE.
[1] There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. [2] For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.
There are brothers and sisters in Christ for whom this passage is especially important during Lent.
Lent is a serious season, a season for commitments of contrition. Admittedly, some of our fellow Christians have a little fun with Lent. They will give up something they enjoy (soft drinks, sugary snacks, etc.) as opposed to something they think they should give up (smoking, overeating, etc.)
We also have fellow Christians who struggle with this season. These brothers and sisters have deep seeded guilt, even shame. This guilt is tied to sin that has had painful consequences. The guilt or shame is so powerful that forgiveness never seems to take hold. In this circumstance, Lent can be a constant reminder of this guilt.
If you are experiencing such deep guilt, or know someone who is surviving with shame, please read aloud today’s Scripture passage:
[1] There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. [2] For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.
Through faith in Jesus, you are no longer condemned by God. The guilt you feel was taken by Jesus upon His cross. When God the Spirit created your faith, you were set free from this shame. This distinction is important. God set you free from this guilt.
For most of us, it is difficult to verbalize the experience that led to such guilt or shame. Yet for some people verbalizing helps unseat the guilt or shame. This can be done by meeting one-on-one with your pastor, to make confession or verbalize what happened to you. If you’re not ready to speak aloud, then write a prayer to God about what you are experiencing. Use this as a steppingstone to confession or conversation.
The entire time, remember this: [1] “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”.
Until next week, the Lord bless and guide.
Kevin Wilson 360 