Free from Condemnation - All Our Daily Bread Daily Devotionals for 2026

Our Daily Bread - Tuesday, December 4, 2019
by RBC Ministries

Details

Free from Condemnation

Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 47-48, 1 John 3

If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts.
1 John 3:20

Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 John 3:19-24

As a couple drove their trailer through dry Northern California, they felt a tire blow and heard the scrape of metal against pavement. The sparks ignited the 2018 Carr Fireâ€”a wildfire that burned nearly 230,000 acres, destroyed more than 1,000 homes, and resulted in the deaths of several people.

When survivors heard how the couple were overcome with grief, they formed a Facebook page to show "grace and extend kindness . . . for the shame and despair" enveloping them. One woman wrote: "As someone that lost their home to this fireâ€”I need you to know my family [doesn't blame you], nor [do] any of the other families that lost homes. . . . Accidents happen. I really hope these kind messages ease your burden. We will all get through this together."

Condemnation, our fear that we've done something unredeemable, can cannibalize the human soul. Thankfully, the Scriptures reveal that "if our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts" (1 John 3:20). Whatever our hidden shame, God is greater than all of it. Jesus calls us to the healing act of repentance (if needed) or simply unmasks the shame consuming us. Then, encountering divine redemption, we "set our hearts at rest in his presence" (v. 19).

Whatever our regrets over things we wish we could undo, God draws us near. Jesus smiles at us and says, "Your heart is free."

By: Winn Collier

Reflect & Pray

How have you experienced shame or condemnation? What does it mean for you to know that Jesus has freed your heart?

God, I have such regret. I wish I could erase this painful situation and do it all over. But thank You for giving me grace to learn and move forward.

More From Our Daily Devotional Archives

Open Heavens
for Monday, December 9, 2013
by Pastor E.A Adeboye

MOVE ON TO MULTIPLICATION

Another attribute of a midwife is that he or she must be able to earn a reward from God. God rewarded the midwives of Exodus 1 and He is looking for those who can work hard to earn...More

The LORD is near
for Tuesday, December 24, 2013
by Jacob Redekop, Brian Reynolds, John van Dijk, Eugene P. Vedder Jr

Behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph,...

Behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their...More

Open Heavens
for Tuesday, July 22, 2014
by Pastor E.A Adeboye

TOTAL COMPLIANCE REQUIRED

When we teach about tithes and first fruits, some people think that it is the pastor's way of making money but they are making a great mistake. When you put God first, He will make sure that your blessings are irreversible. But if you decide to give Him second place in your life, you may not be happy to see what...More

Our Daily Bread
for Tuesday, October 13, 2015
by RBC Ministries

FACING OUR PAST

READ:
.
Like Paul,we don't need to parade our failures or to pretend they didn't happen. Instead, we can thank the Lord that through His grace and power, our past is forgiven, our presence is changed, and our future is bright with hope for all he has prepared for us. - David...More