HERE ARE FOUR WAYS WE CAN ROB OURSELVES OF GOD’S BLESSING

1. Judge ourselves:

“I do not even examine myself (literally: judge, try, condemn)… The one who examines me is the

Lord… who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of

men’s hearts… ” ( I Corinthians 4:3-5)

Paul did, however, “examine” his heart, but the element of self-condemnation was

absent:

“Test (Literally: assay, scrutinize) yourselves to see if you are in the faith.” (II Corinthians

13:5)

2. Condemn ourselves:

“There is… no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)

“God is infinitely greater than our hearts (in not condemning us). When we realize this, our

hearts no longer accuse us… (and) we may have the utmost confidence in God’s presence.” (I John

3:20-22 – Phillips Translation)

3. Not accept His unconditional love:

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving kindness. … God

demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Jeremiah

31:3; Romans 5:8)

4. Not accept His invitation to minister to us:

“Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you… He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of

your cry; when He hears it, He will answer you.” (Isaiah 30:18, 19).

God knows and loves you, warts and all. By judging or condemning yourself, you

denigrate the great grace of God. So relax in Him and drink in His unfathomable love.