Genesis 3:11 And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”
Guilt, shame and condemnation crush the spirit of a man. Our conscience can be our greatest enemy when we slip, fall or falter. The Lord asked Adam a question “Who told you that you were naked? There were no tale tellers, gossipers or slanderers in the Garden of Eden. It was just Adam and his wife Eve enjoying the luxuriant garden, but they were suddenly shrouded in shame when they fell into sin and disobedience. If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything (1 John 3:20). It is important to realize that we hear voices of condemnation to push us into the pit of guilt.
Many find it easier to forgive others but struggle to forgive themselves. Even after years or decades, they go back to wrong choices or decisions that they made and beat themselves. Stigma will have a force only when we accept it. The Lord God did not leave Adam and his wife naked after they disobeyed. He slaughtered a lamb and clothed them with leather jackets, pants and boots (Genesis 3:21).
The only antidote to a condemning spirit is the blood of Jesus. The blood ofJesus is more powerful than our most atrocious sin. When your heart condemns you, ask the question, “Who said so”?
Antidote to a self-condemning spirit:
- Repent: Repent, renounce and receive mercy. “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy” (Proverbs 28:13). Repent means right-about-turn – ‘never turn back’.
- Renew: Renew your mind with the Word of God and receive forgiveness. Shut your ears to the hounding critiques. When the demons guilt-trip you, shut their mouth by speaking God’s word. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
- Revisit: Refuse to revisit. Take condemning thoughts captive and nail it to the cross (Colossians 2:13-15). The case against you has been closed and sealed with the blood of Jesus. No one has the right to reopen it; not even you.
God’s Word is the final verdict over any situation.
Prayer: Holy Father, guide me to shut the mouth of condemnation and receive forgiveness and freedom. Amen.
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