Vindication vs. Condemnation

To be condemned is to be judged guilty and undeserving of normal freedoms and privileges. A college professor noted that self-condemnation and self-judgment are among the harshest sentences we impose on ourselves. Robert Burton follows with, it’s our "conscience that makes us reflect upon, accuse and condemn ourselves."

Regardless of how appalling sin is, within most people resides a yearning to be vindicated and absolved of guilt. As Samson was paraded before his enemy to celebrate his capture, he immediately sensed how to vindicate himself from the humiliation of slavery while simultaneously exonerating himself for failing his people.

Listen to Samson’s final appeal: "O Sovereign Lord, remember me. Please strengthen me and let me with one final blow get revenge on my enemies." Have you noticed that, while asking God to meet your need, he may do so while achieving a greater objective? God hears our prayers of desperation and responds in ways that are best for us and others.  

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I said, “I have worked, but how hopeless it is! I have used up my strength but have accomplished nothing.” Yet I can trust the Lord to defend my cause; he will reward me for what I do.

~Isaiah 49:4 Good News Bible

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Promises and Character Strengths

The promises you make are important because they reveal your character. Your commitment to keep promises echoes your sincerity, integrity and faithfulness. A promise resembles a covenant, a pledge to maintain certain terms of an agreement. In a positive sense its gives assurance to actively do specific things for the good of another or oneself.

Guilt can become a troublesome problem when we promise what we can’t deliver. It invites criticism from others and opens the door for self-condemnation because trust has been violated between oneself and others. A good standard to live by is to promise only what you know for certain you will complete.

God will not help you sweep broken promises under the rug but will give you the means for fulfilling what you’ve promised, although it may seem impossible or inappropriate to do so. God acknowledges your determination to be responsible and will open doors for you to succeed. “I can do all things through Christ Jesus who gives me strength.”  

Fightings Within, Fears Without: Come to God - Part 1

Self-condemnation is often caused by expectations that are impossible to achieve which pave the way for blame, defensiveness and guilt to surface. Criticism from significant others creates a lack of self-acceptance and will generate internal and external conflict. Imagine the emotional pain produced by a negative perception of oneself.

Coping with low self-esteem through eating disorders, substance abuse and other harmful behaviors tends to exaggerate internal strife. Self-condemnation makes it difficult to feel loved and accepted by God and others. As difficult as it is to achieve, the objective is to change a negative perception of oneself to self-acceptance.

The Apostle Paul declared, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Choosing to be vulnerable for God to cleanse the heart, soul and mind of guilt diminishes self-condemnation. 1 John 1:7 reassures me that the blood of Christ Jesus cleanses me from every sin. Thank God for his grace and mercy and for new a beginning.