No Right to Condemn: A Devotional on Receiving God’s Forgiveness (Daily Devotional)

Truth: “Where God forgives, no soul has the right to condemn—even itself.” (C.S. Lewis)

Scripture: Colossians 2:14, Romans 1:8

Thought: To reject God’s forgiveness is to deny the sufficiency of the cross. Every sin nailed to the cross has no place in your hands.

How often do we carry the weight of our past mistakes long after God has already released us? We replay failures, relive regrets, and convince ourselves that redemption applies to everyone but us. Yet Scripture reminds us plainly: Believers in Christ, upon confession and repentance, we no longer suffer under any condemnation; the price for sin has been paid. (Romans 8:1).

To refuse ourselves forgiveness is not humility—it’s quiet rebellion. When God, in His perfect justice and mercy, declares us forgiven, our continued self-condemnation is not spiritual—it’s spiritual pride. It places our judgment above His and implies that His final verdict is subject to our authority.

We do not say it aloud, but our actions often declare: “Your sacrifice, Jesus, was not enough for this sin. My guilt is greater than Your grace.”

This is not only false—it’s dangerous.

It crowns itself as judge and jury over what God’s power resolved on the cross. It suggests that our feelings have more authority than Christ’s finished work. But the truth is this: the blood of Jesus speaks a better word (Hebrews 12:24). And when God says you are clean, no voice—not even your own—has the right to say otherwise.

To carry guilt, He has removed it to carry chains that no longer exist. This is not God’s desire for His children. Forgiveness isn’t just a divine gesture; it’s a command to be received. It’s not offered as a fragile hope but as an unshakable verdict.

Closing Charge: Each time self-condemnation rises, answer with truth: “When God forgives, it is absolute, and I have no authority to overturn His grace.”

Reflection Question: Are you holding yourself in chains Christ already broke?

Journal Reflection Questions

1. What past mistake or failure do you struggle most to forgive yourself for? Write honestly, without judgment.

2. Do you believe God’s forgiveness is absolute for others? If yes, why do you think it’s harder to apply that belief to yourself?

3. In what ways have you acted as your own judge, jury, and executioner? Reflect on how self-condemnation has affected your life, relationships, and spiritual growth.

4. What would your daily life look like if you fully accepted God's forgiveness? Imagine the freedom you’d feel. Describe it.

5. What specific Scriptures or truths can you speak over yourself when guilt returns? List at least three, and keep them visible this week.

6. Is there someone you’ve forgiven more easily than yourself? Why do you believe you grant them what you deny yourself?

7.    What does it mean to you personally to “trust God’s verdict over your own opinion”?

Prayer of Release: Father, I confess that I have often struggled to accept the fullness of Your forgiveness. I have allowed guilt and shame to linger, believing lies that Your grace could not cover my past. But today I choose to trust Your verdict over my own. Thank You for the blood of Jesus, which speaks for me. Thank You that there is now no condemnation in Christ. Help me walk in the freedom You have already declared. Teach me to rest in what You’ve finished. In Jesus' name, Amen.