By: Elizabeth Haarberg

When Condemnation Works for our Good

You  can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

If I took a survey and asked people who of you enjoys condemnation or persecution, I would guess I would not hear a “yes” from anyone I asked. When others dismiss, condemn, or belittle, it can be difficult to see how that works to our benefit.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:10 English Standard Version

“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
2 Timothy 3:12 English Standard Version

Rejection is part of the Christian life. Jesus was so impactful on Earth that His presence either attracted or repelled. It wasn’t just Jesus that caused this, it was the Spirit inside Him.

“And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their region.” Matthew 8:34 English Standard Version

The same Spirit that is in Jesus is in us; therefore, we can expect to experience the same rejection Jesus did.

“The one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me.”
Luke 10:16 English Standard Version

The positive of experiencing condemnation is that the act pushes us into the arms of Jesus. When we are rejected, we want to be comforted. There is no better comforter than God.

When our eyes are on Jesus, there is no one who can get to us. He is our shield, protector, guide, and comforter. Lean into God and let Him fill you with the Holy Spirit. Learn to grow from the rejection that the world is so focused on providing.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado