All Good vs. All Bad | Devotional

“Therefore there is no condemnation for those who are in Jesus Christ.” Romans 8:1

It is easy to think that if we ate something unhealthy for breakfast our “whole day” is “ruined” and that we need to start over. When we label a day or ourselves as “all good or all bad” we set ourselves up for a negative pattern and cycle of habitual self-condemnation. We must challenge this thinking!

Being able to accept the parts that are both good and bad will begin to help us forgive and understand ourselves and others. Challenging these extreme thoughts will begin to help us see that there are healthy parts and unhealthy parts to a situation or person. The only way to stop the cycle is to give grace and forgiveness to ourselves quickly. In this struggle, it is helpful to connect with other people who are full of compassion and the Love of God.

Dear Lord,

   Thank you for creating and knowing me and all of my shortcomings, gifts and talents. Please forgive the parts of me that are not pleasing to you. Help me to become more like you Jesus. Amen.

“If we have enough love and limits, or grace and truth, we begin to experience the way god relates to us and learn that we are standing in grace (Romans 5:2) where judgement and condemnation don’t come into the picture.”  From Changes that Heal By: Dr. Henry Cloud; Zondervan 1990, 1992

“Jesus didn’t wait until we got better to die for us. He died when we were in our most unlovely state. The person who doesn’t deserve love actually needs love more, not less. If you know someone unworthy of love, that is great! You now have a chance to emulate Christ, because the essence of His love is unconditional.” Tony Evans, Our God is Awesome: Encountering the greatness of our God

“Love can’t rule when shame is in charge.”

John Townsend, beyond boundaries: Learning to trust in relationships again.

Further Reading: Romans 8: 9-11, John 1:3, Ephesians 4: 20-24