In many parts of the U.S. right now, including where I live in southern California, we’ve gotten accustomed to an almost daily dose of “no’s” being doled out in an effort to practice social distancing (everyone’s new favorite phrase to hate):
- no gatherings of groups over 250, then 50, now 10, which has resulted in
- no coffee meetups with friends at your favorite local spot (like here or here)
- no workouts at the gym (ah – just the excuse you needed to continue avoiding them.)
- no taking in a movie at the theater (thank you, Netflix and Disney+!)
- no libraries (time to get at that stockpile of books you’ve been accumulating)
- no church
- no work for many
- no leaving your home except for essential needs.
Whether or not you agree with the extreme measures being taken to avoid the spread of COVID-19 (is it some rule that we have to put a virus in all caps to make it sound more terrifying?), we are currently in a state of “no’s” as a society. If they haven’t already, those “no’s” will start to take their toll. They can make us feel constricted, discouraged, and frustrated.
So, to counter all the negative “no’s,” here’s one of the best “no’s” you’ll ever come across:
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 8:1
Did you catch that? “No” condemnation. No rejection. No abandonment. No forsaking. No judgment. None. That assurance belongs to all who have not socially distanced themselves from Christ. To be in Christ, to call him Savior, to trust in him alone for salvation, is to have complete confidence that the best no possible is yours: no condemnation. When you have that kind of confidence, you know what else you have?
No fear.
We don’t know how long restrictions will be in place. We don’t know the long-term impact they’ll have on our lives. We don’t know if more “no’s” will be coming out in the days ahead. But we have this right now in Christ: no condemnation. That is the best no ever.
Fantastic encouragement! Thanks!!