Encouragement for Your Week: August 10-16

This Week’s Verse

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”
—Romans 8:1–2 (ESV)

Devotion

In these verses, the word “law” doesn’t mean a list of rules or commandments. It’s better understood as “power.” So, we see two powers being talked about: the power of sin and death, and the power of the Spirit of life.

The power of sin and death comes from the enemy, Satan. It leads people away from God, causes them to rebel against Him, and ultimately leads to spiritual death and separation from God. On the other hand, the power of the Spirit of life comes from the Holy Spirit. It works in believers and gives them the strength to follow God and live in relationship with Him forever.

When someone puts their faith in Jesus Christ, they receive the Holy Spirit. From that moment on, the Spirit lives inside them (see 1 Corinthians 3:16). This changes everything. The Spirit gives believers the power to break free from the control of sin. Christians might still mess up sometimes, but they are no longer ruled by their old sinful ways. Instead, their main desire is to follow the Spirit.

Because of what Jesus has done, there’s no more guilt or fear of being condemned. We are free. Satan may try to bring up your past mistakes or make you feel ashamed, but you can respond with the truth of Romans 8:1: There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

You are forgiven. You are free. And you are deeply loved by God.

This Week’s Challenge

Each day this week, when feelings of guilt or shame come up—especially about past mistakes—pause and say Romans 8:1 out loud: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Then, thank God for setting you free through His Spirit.