No Condemnation

Did you know that Jesus did not come into the world to diagnose the world's sickness rather he brought the cure. With Jesus setting the example for every believer, a believer would do well to follow that example. There is a disease that has infected all of creation, that disease is sin.

I fail to find any reference to Jesus condemning any individual. He may have alluded to sin allowing individuals to examine their own heart but no outright condemnation. He told the woman caught in adultery to go and sin no more. When being nailed to the ross he asked for the soldiers' forgiveness rather than reacting in anger. Jesus taught that before judging others we need to examine our own lives.

How can a believer reach the lost if they continually condemn their life choices? Jesus did not come into the world to condemn the world, He came that the world might be saved through him. He did not come for the healthy but for the sick. His ministry was one of love and compassion.

Jesus focused on the need and ministered accordingly in the process revealing his true nature, being the Messiah, the son of God. To have an effective witness r ministry we must follow this example. In the Gospel of Mark we are given a commission by Jesus, "Go an preach the Gospel" if we do then signs and wonders will accompany our ministry. Jesus told his followers they would do even greater things that he did in his ministry. As we proclaim the Gospel message of love and forgiveness the Holy Spirit will be manifest confirming we are God's messenger.

There is no love in condemnation, condemnation is hurtful and is rejected by the receptor of that message. Sinful lifestyles are an attempt to fill the void in the sinners' heart. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. I see no reason to judge an individual's lifestyle as sin when they have been born into sin. All sinners have been sentenced to death. The wages of in is death but the gift of God is eternal life. Let us not neglect the second part of this verse, the gift of God (Jesus). Jesus is the giver of life to all who believe.

Our message should be that without Christ you will not experience eternal life. All have sinned and are born into sin needing the forgiveness that is offered only through Jesus Christ. As we deliver this message allow the Holy Spirit to work in the heart of the listener drawing them to a new life in Christ. If we mix condemnation into this message it will be rejected by the listener.

As they begin their new journey in Christ the Holy Spirit will reveal changes that are needed in their life through scripture and discipleship. Make a difference, love others as Christ has love you. Model your life and message after Jesus allowing the Holy spirit to lead you and draw those whom you are ministering.