I have spent years learning the difference between condemnation and grace. Most of my life was spent listening and feeding condemning thoughts and emotions, thinking it was God working on my heart. That is, until I realized that God does not use condemnation to speak to His children.

For a long time, condemnation fueled religious OCD for me, causing me to fall into a number of patterns, where I would obsessive look at myself with guilt, shame and self-accusation, while wasting daily energy compulsively trying to "fix" and remedy these thoughts I struggled with.

Condemnation prevented me from experienced God's freedom, grace and love towards me . . . keeping me in cycles of religious performance and perfectionism.

At times, the thoughts were so troublesome, I felt I couldn't shake them.

Overwhelmed by what I was up against, I found myself landing in 1 John chapter 3. This passage saved my sanity.

For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.
1 John 3:20-21

As I read this passage, it became clear to me that my confidence had been stolen by condemnation. It was affecting my relationship with God and stealing my ability to walk with empowering faith. My perspective became darkened by my flaws, while losing sight of the power found in God’s grace and the price Jesus paid for on my behalf.

The revelation in this Scripture passage propelled me to get my confidence back. I began to filter out the accusing thoughts of condemnation. I made a decision to permanently break up with the abusive Inner Pharisee that was putting me down and shaming me all day long. This act of faith cleared up my heart to hear the voice of God and His leadings built on faith, hope and love. The airwaves over my thoughts became clearer than ever.

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