- Romans 8:1 - There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
- Romans 8:2 - For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
- Ephesians 3:14-19 - For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father... That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man... And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
- Hebrews 12:7 - If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross reminds us that we can live in freedom as God’s beloved children. The love of our Father for His children is so wide, long, high, and deep that we cannot fully comprehend it. God's love is unchanging, eternal, and never fails. However, sometimes our feelings tell us otherwise. We often link God's love for us to our behavior. When we behave well, we think God loves us more. When we sin or make mistakes, we assume we have lost His love. But Scripture declares a completely different truth: for those who are in Christ, there is no longer any condemnation. God is our loving Father. He does not reject us or condemn us. Sometimes He disciplines us so that our lives align with His will. He also allows us to experience the natural consequences of sin. But this does not mean that God condemns us. Everything that separated us from God was resolved on the cross. Jesus Christ paid the full price for our sins. Everyone who believes in Him has been eternally reconciled to God and has become His child. Therefore, we can approach God's presence not with fear, but with boldness. In His presence, we live not as condemned sinners, but as children accepted by grace and loved.
Reflection
How can you remind yourself of what Jesus did on the cross in the moments when you feel that your behavior changes God's love for you?