Daily Devotional: Why Do We Fear Judgment?

Whether we like to admit it or not, most of us have a dread about judgment. We are intimidated to stand before God for the final sentence on our lives. What does the Bible say about such fear?

“Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.”

​Romans 8:34

Why do we fear the wrath of God? Why do we go around with heads hung low, ashamed, and expecting God to strike us down at any second? The same One who saved our souls from hell is the One who will judge us. Why would Jesus save us only to condemn us?

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Fear of what? Of His power, yes. Of His ability to destroy both body and soul in hell, yes. Of a wrathful, condemning God who will point out our every little fault, no.

Why do we think we will be judged so harshly? Satan comes to try to convince us that we are unworthy of the redemption of our bodies and eternity as the bride of Christ. Yet such is true. We are unworthy. Nonetheless, Christ demonstrated His love for us by dying for us while we were unworthy.

Our worth has nothing to do with how we are judged. Christ, the One who died for us, is the same One who will judge us after death. He loves us so much that He died for us, and we believe that He is looking for excuses to throw us into hell? Do we really expect that the same person who saved us will suddenly turn against us?

Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to live inside of us to teach us right from wrong and the perfect will of God. As long as we confess our sins, Jesus is faithful and just to forgive us. If you love Christ, seek to please Him, and confess your sins to Him, do not be nervous of condemnation. You do not have to fear the judgment of the One who saved you.
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• Reflection: Do you live your life in constant fear of judgment? Leave a comment below to share what God is doing in your life.