No Longer Condemned

A friend recently encountered a terrible accident while horseback riding.  As a result, she spent four days in the hospital.  She suffered six broken ribs, broken clavicle and scapula. Her left lung collapsed, but is nearly at 100% functionality.  After being released from the hospital, she said, "I'm in a lot of pain, but thankful I will heal with time."

After reading a familiar verse in Scripture, I thought of my friend's accident.  And sin.

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1)

In Christ, there is...
No condemnation.
No shame.

There is, however, consequence.  A terrible injury inflicted as a result of sin may be forgiven, washed clean, covered in grace.  But consequences remain.  There is recovery and healing that must take place. And that takes time. We can't rush healing.  6-8 weeks, the doctors say.  Or 8-10 weeks.  Six months to a year. A lifetime. Recovery...and healing is a process. 

"If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and purify (wash, cleanse) us from all unrighteousness." (1John 1:9)

What a feeling!  In a moment, we can be forgiven.

I can imagine, though, having experienced a horrendous accident, being taken to the emergency room, being prepped for surgery, undergoing procedure after procedure, and being wheeled into a recovery room.  Now what? Well... You wait.  And you do your best to get back to a normal life.

Eventually, you realize that you're living.  Wounds have healed, though scars remain.

God's grace brings new life.