Topic: Choosing Forgiveness [Joyce Meyer Devotional 20 February 2021]
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Therefore, [there is] now no condemnation…for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit.— Romans 8:1 (AMPC)
Choice = care in selecting; judgment or skill in distinguishing what is to be preferred, and in giving a preference
Our imaginations and mind prepare us for action. They can set us up for success or failure, joy or misery—the choice is up to us. If you think about your past mistakes and all the things you’ve done wrong, it will only weaken you. Guilt handicaps you as you try to enter the future God has for you, but the good news is that no matter what you’ve done in the past, you can learn to see yourself as a new creature in Christ (see 2 Corinthians 5:17).
In order to overcome shame, we can make the choice to let go of our past failures. Instead of dwelling on sin, begin to praise and thank God that you’ve been forgiven. Choose to look forward in faith, not backward in guilt or condemnation (see Romans 8:1). When you do, you’ll understand the joy of being a new creation in Christ, and you’ll be able to move forward in freedom.
Prayer Starter: Father, thank You for paying the price for me to be totally free from condemnation. Help me let go of any guilt that might be trying to trip me up, and to choose to receive Your forgiveness today. In Jesus’ name, amen