Tuesday, January 9, 2024

A Friend for You

Jesus did not come into this world to condemn us. He had something better. He brought mercy with love. He was condemned by self-righteous people as being a friend of sinners, and so He was, and still is. They said of Jesus, that he was a friend of publicans and sinners (Matthew 11:19).

Jesus will come into your life as a friend. When he comes in, condemnation has to go. No condemnation can stay in the same place with him. Jesus bore our condemnation on the cross. When Jesus comes into your life, there is no condemnation. So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1, NLT). 

Condemnation can be a terrible load to bear. Its weight can rob you of strength and joy. Condemnation is no respecter of persons, for all have sinned. Men cope with guilt in different ways. Some medicate it with drugs or alcohol. Others bury it deep within their hearts, but its torment does not go away. Still others judge people, to take the attention away from their own condemnation.

Jesus is the friend you need. He delivers every believer from all condemnation. He was a friend of sinners in Bible days, and he has not changed. He's still the friend of sinners. He can take all our condemnation away. He has a right to do that like no other. You see, Jesus is the only one who died for your sins. His word of mercy declares that you are forgiven by simply believing in Him. Then, there is no condemnation.