Today’s readings were from Isaiah 54:4–5 and Romans 8:1.

Romans 8:1 says:

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Some later manuscripts add: “…who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” While this addition can be confusing, the heart of the verse is clear: those who are in Christ are no longer condemned.

Encouraged by Isaiah 54:4–5

Yesterday, my husband and I filmed a podcast episode where I shared something deeply personal from my past—something I had never shared publicly before. I know the Holy Spirit prompted me to open up, but afterward, the enemy attacked my mind with condemnation and shame.

This morning, God met me in His Word through Isaiah 54:4–5:

“Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace, you will not be humiliated… For your Maker is your husband—the Lord Almighty is His name.”

I felt the love of Jesus speaking directly to me, reminding me that I am covered in His love, not defined by my past. He knew I needed this encouragement before I sat down to edit that video for release this week.

What No Condemnation Means

• Not guilty – “No condemnation” means we are declared innocent before God.
• In Christ Jesus – When we place our faith in Christ, we are united with Him. His Spirit dwells within us, and because God does not condemn Jesus, He cannot condemn those who are one with Him.

Jesus bore the full weight of condemnation on the cross so we can forever be free from it. The enemy will still try to place condemnation on us, but here’s the truth: his lies only impact us if we come into agreement with them.

When I am walking in my true identity in Christ, I can quickly identify condemnation as a lie and reject it. But when I’m walking in the flesh, I’m more vulnerable to agreeing with the enemy’s accusations. That’s why staying rooted in my identity is so vital—it keeps me anchored in the truth.

Wrestling with the Second Phrase

The added phrase—“who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit”—is not included in the earliest manuscripts. Theologians believe it was added later, and it can be confusing because it sounds like our freedom depends on perfectly walking in the Spirit.

But the truth is this: whether we sin or not as believers, the moment we say yes to Jesus, there is no condemnation.

Here’s what I did receive from that phrase, though:

• Walking in the flesh doesn’t make me condemned, but it does make me more likely to believe the enemy’s lies.
• Walking in the Spirit keeps me sensitive to truth so I can quickly reject condemnation instead of partnering with it.

Conviction vs. Condemnation

The Holy Spirit also reminded me of the difference between conviction and condemnation:

• Conviction comes from Him and leads to repentance, growth, and freedom.
• Condemnation comes from the enemy and leads to shame, fear, and bondage.

Condemnation has no authority in the life of a believer. But when we unknowingly agree with the enemy’s lies, we give his words influence over our thoughts. That’s why Romans 8:1 is a verse we must declare over ourselves daily.

Extending Grace to Others

This truth also changes how I see others. If there is no condemnation for me, then there is no condemnation for my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Sometimes we can be quick to judge and condemn others, but when we do, we’re aligning ourselves with the enemy instead of with Christ. We cannot allow ourselves to be used as a tool to bring condemnation on others. Instead, we must reflect Christ’s grace.

A Practical Challenge

If you find yourself battling condemning thoughts this week, pause and ask:

• Is this conviction from the Holy Spirit?
• Or is this condemnation from the enemy?

If it’s condemnation, reject the lie and speak Romans 8:1 out loud: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

And if you’ve been tempted to place condemnation on others, pause and remember: they too are covered by the same grace.

Prayer

Father God, thank You for saving me from the weight of condemnation. Thank You for the freedom I have in Christ. Forgive me for the times I have believed the enemy’s lies or placed condemnation on others. Show me the areas of my life that are out of alignment with You, and close the doors I’ve left open to attack. Help me to walk in my true identity and extend the same grace to others that You have freely given to me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

*Takeaway: Condemnation only has power when we agree with the enemy’s lies. In Christ, we are free—forever declared not guilty.

Resources I Use

These are a few tools that help me stay rooted in the Word during my quiet time:

• Love God Greatly SOAP Journal – my favorite way to study scripture through Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer.
• Black Post-it Notes + Metallic Pens – I write memory verses on these and keep them nearby as daily reminders of God’s promises.
• Bible App + Enduring Word Commentary – so helpful for comparing translations and understanding scripture more deeply.

I pray these resources bless you as you walk in freedom and truth. 💛