"How to Break Free From Condemnation“

Once upon a time... I  used to be a woman who defined herself by her issues.
I saw myself through a lens of everything that still needed to be fixed... and because of that, I became a to-do project instead of a person with a heart, soul, and mind, loved fiercely by the King of Kings. I saw myself not as a  person loved by God but I saw all the mess.
I spent years trying to break through to others so that they could  see the healing available in Christ and the love available to them in Him but I was in a place at one point where I could not receive it for myself.

It was a extremely uncomfortable and   painful way of living. My Christianity became about how can I not mess up? How can I behave so God won’t leave me? 
The messages I learned from childhood wounds  and other events that happened in my life  told me that if I did not behave perfectly or if I needed anything than someone would leave. 
If I had the nerve to ask for more or if I had the nerve to be vulnerable than I would be rejected. ( or at least, that's what I would tell myself) 
So I built up walls brick by brick in order to protect myself and in order to be “a good Christian.”    I didn’t realize my wounds were impacting my faith instead of my faith allowing God to heal my wounded heart. 
Eventually, I became afraid of vulnerability. My mindset was so focused on what was wrong with me, I couldn't see anything that was right. I held myself back from friendships and self sabotaged in relationships because I didn't know how to believe that I was loved .  I let God touch the areas that felt “safe” but I still held a little bit back because I became comfortable in my dysfunction . 

I identified with my issues and even though I thought that would help my growth it actually hurt it. 
Self awareness is a gift but condemnation is not! When your issues start becoming your  identity, you start losing sight of the person God made you to be. 
 
I have been a Christian for a long time now and even though I knew the verses about God’s love and grace - I still had yet to believe it for myself.  Until scripture BECOMES REALITY  for you personally  it DOES NOT CHANGE ANYTHING in your life.
Until God’s love for you becomes reality, it’s just a nice sentiment. 

But when you accept God’s love for you as reality and scripture as reality it changes EVERYTHING.

We've got to know the Word of God to know God better and what He truly says about us. 

He wants to touch your whole heart completely and heal you from every lie and every message you received growing up that was sent from the pit of hell to try to destroy you.

Maybe you grew up believing you need to be perfect to loved.
Maybe you grew up feeling endlessly lonely.

Maybe you never got the love you needed.

Maybe you did but maybe you never knew how to receive it. 
Maybe you are living with your wounds ruling you instead of you finding the freedom and wholeness available to you in Christ .
Well, now is the time to go deeper into discovering your identity in Christ !

God is not going to leave me . I knew that on the surface. I knew on the surface I was saved by grace but I had to confront the parts of me that didn’t truly know that or believe it. What are those areas for you?
What areas are hindering you from receiving God's love for you fully? 

The journey of finding your crown requires honesty with yourself and being willing to go to the deep places of your heart where you're hurting and  where you need help.

You are not defined by your issues or the areas you are growing in.
If you are struggling with seeing yourself beyond those things I would encourage you to study Scripture in this area. Ask God to show you what He loves about and the strengths and gifts He has given you! 

Assignment:
Ask God to show you what He loves about you and the strengths He has given you. 
Research His Word and memorize Scripture that will help you be balanced in the way you think of yourself and what you're growing in! 
Remember that your identity is in Christ and He calls you righteous because He lives in you. 
Encourage someone this week in the Lord and point out the amazing qualities you see in them! 

Some helpful Scriptures: 
Romans 8:1-2 "Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus, because the Spirit's law of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death." 

Romans 5:1 "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." 

Philippians 3:12-14 

Ephesians 2:8-9
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." 

I hope this article encouraged you.
If it did, please feel free to share or send to someone who may need this encouragement today.

xoxo, 
Emily