By Lisa Wilmore
“Because the church did not condemn me, I felt loved and not degraded.”
“Because the church did not condemn me, my suicidal thoughts diminished and existed no longer.”
“Because the church did not condemn me, the shame and embarrassment subsided.”
“Because the church did not condemn me, I was greeted with a smile and an embrace that I will never forget.”
“Because the church did not condemn me, I mourned because I thought they would.”
“Because the church did not condemn me, I didn’t feel attacked or belittled.”
“Because the church did not condemn me, I didn’t have to suffer through the rude stares and impolite gestures.”
“Because the church did not condemn me, judgmental tones were not whispered.”
“Because the church did not condemn me, my walk with God is better.”
“Because the church did not condemn me, I can hold my head up and continue in the ministry that God has called me to do.”
“Because the church did not condemn me, I am no longer bitter and angry at the world.”
“Because the church did not condemn me, I don’t feel rejected by the ones I felt the closest to.”
“Because the church did not condemn me, I am able to embrace others with the same love shown to me.”
“Because the church did not condemn me, I am able to treat others the way I want to be treated.”
“Because the church did not condemn me, I have a grateful and thankful heart.”
“Because the church did not condemn me, instead of putting me out of the church building, they took me by my hand and studied the Bible with me.”
“Because the church did not condemn me, I am able to testify what God has done for me.”
“Because the church did not condemn me, I truly believe that Jesus loves me.”
“Because the church did not condemn me, I am restored.”
“Because the church did not condemn me, I have a repentant heart.”
“Because the church did not condemn me, I got a chance to see a glimpse of Jesus’ heart and accepted Him as my Savior.”
My friends, if Christians were to put themselves in the shoes of a fallen brother or sister, we would reconsider our actions and thoughts toward their exposed sin.
God could have condemned us to hell, but instead He sent His Son, Jesus to die for us. He chose to love and redeem us through His Son’s death. Each of us struggle with our own sin and we must never sit in the seat of condemnation. When we choose to love and not condemn; we have given the sinner hope.
John 3:17 details Jesus saying, “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”
I love you-but more importantly, Jesus loves you most!
Lord, forgive me for condemning and not loving.
Your child, Lisa
