There is a common pattern in the ministry of Jesus that I recently discovered; and that is Jesus never condemned those He ministered to. Throughout the Gospels of Matthew through John, I saw Jesus dealing mercifully with the “so called sinners” whom He ministered to. The Pharisees and Sadducees were different though, even His disciples questioned Jesus about the sin the parents of the young blind man had committed. In all these, Jesus never condemned them, instead He ministered salvation, healing and He delivered them.
Let’s cite a few examples of Jesus mercy and compassion
- The taxpayers were known crooks -yet Jesus dined and fellowshipped with Him. In fact, some of them became His disciples (Matthew 9:9-10)
- On the blind young man, the disciples thought he has sinned from birth, but Jesus said no sin had nothing to do with and healed him (John 9:1-2)
- Jesus pardoned the woman who was caught in adultery saying “neither do I condemn you, sin no more (John 8:11)
- Martha who washed Jesus feet with perfume and her hair apparently had a bad rap sheet in the community, but she ended up serving Jesus throughout His ministry (Luke 7:37-38)
- I can go on, with the woman at the well, the demoniac in Gerasene etc.
If you are going through something right now and you feel as though God is condemning or punishing you, that is not true. Not long ago I was approached by two pastors who believed that the adversities that their spouses and children faced were punishment and condemnation from God. I can’t forget an experience in the recent mission in Africa where a lady came to be prayed for healing and as we ministered, she kept saying “Oh God forgive me, forgive me”, yet she was a born-again believer.
Anyone who condemns or reminds you of your sins or faults operates with a demonic spirit. Controlling, manipulative and insecure people will do this. A religious spirit often condemns; satan is also good at reminding people of their faults, sins or failures. Stay away from people who put you down who constantly remind you of your faults no matter and how “spiritual” they are. Condemnation is a strategy the devil and people use to keep you from progressing. Condemnation is a hinderance that has both spiritual and natural(life) implications.
So, should we continue sinning because God does not condemn? The answer is NO! Whenever you sin, repent right away and receive forgiveness immediately. No, that God is Love, He is merciful and compassionate. God always wants the positive for you not the negative.
Consider these Scriptures: – I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore, I have drawn you with lovingkindness (Jeremiah 31:3). Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28); There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit (Romans 8:1) if the Jesus sets you free, you will be free indeed(John 8:36)
No matter how bad it is, with God it is pardonable. God does not condemn!