No More Shame

Like a sinner face down in the mud I have wallowed in shame like millions of others over the years. I have  regretted mistakes I've made, attitudes I've embraced, relationships I've sabotaged, destructive thoughts I've dwelt on, and sins I have committed and omitted.

It is not a pleasant experience when the Holy Spirit shines the spotlight on your heart exposing the darkness. And yet in the middle of that Jesus comes up to us just like the woman caught in adultery and because of His shed blood and grace He whispers, "I do not condemn you. There is no more shame. You are forgiven. I declare you righteous."

We can read such truths in His word but do we believe them? Do we really believe we are forgiven? Do we accept that we are declared righteous through Christ? Do we really trust that there is no condemnation for us in Jesus? Therefore, there is no more shame.

How often do we relate to God based on our performance. None of us is perfect and so we will constantly be on a roller coaster with Him. We will draw near when we live right and obey Him. We will shrink back in shame when we stray and disobey. Or we cN admit when we are wrong, repent,  and believe what His word says.

If we could just bask in the depths of His love and truly be clothed with grace and righteousness we could know we no longer have to live in shame. We are redeemed. Jesus reconciled us to God saving us from His wrath. Jesus is our advocate making intercession for us.

Satan wants us to live in shame and condemnation. Satan wants us to pull back from God. He entices us to wander. He entices us away from our source of joy and liberty into a life shame and bondage.

NO MORE SHAME! No more giving into Satan's schemes. It is time to walk in the freedom and forgiveness Jesus purchased for us. It is time to receive the love of Jesus and be immersed in His grace. It is time to believe what His word says about us. We are adopted, loved, heirs, born again, redeemed, saved, children of God, and no longer condemned or shamed. Walk in that church. Embrace that church and live in the wonder of worship of the One who made it all possible.