When John wrote that ‘the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth – the one who accuses them before our God day and night’ (v. 10 NLT), he was talking about Satan. And Satan has only one aim: ‘To steal and kill and destroy’ (John 10:10 NIV). He’ll try and steal our peace, kill our dreams, and destroy our future. And one way He does that is to plant thoughts in our minds. Thoughts like ‘I’m not good enough’, ‘I’m a failure’, ‘I’m a bad person’ or ‘I’m unlovable’. He tries to accuse us. He wants us to feel guilt and shame, because when we do we’re no longer effective in the kingdom. Guilt and shame keep us trapped, we think we’re not able to do what God’s called us to do and we often hide away. And when this happens, the devil’s accusations have won. But it doesn’t have to end this way. The Bible says that Jesus is ‘in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us’ (Romans 8:34 MSG). While the devil is our accuser, Jesus is our advocate. He is talking to God on our behalf. He defends us. He takes on the role of a priest. ‘And since we have a great priest over God’s house, let us come near to God with a sincere heart and a sure faith, because we have been made free from a guilty conscience’ (Hebrews 10:21-22 NCV). A clean conscience. A clean record. A clean heart. Free from accusation – free from condemnation. Not just from our past mistakes, but from our future ones. So let’s listen to Jesus’ voice above the accusing voice of the devil.

What Now?

Write down any thoughts you have about yourself which don’t line up with God’s truth. Next to them write what Jesus thinks of you and how much He loves you.