Unashamed

Shame. Why has shame become the norm for so many people? It seems like an emotion and feeling that so many deal with. While my first thought about this word reminds me of all the chatter I have heard from those going through infertility, I know that shame crosses every generation and spectrum of people, no matter what situation they might be facing.

So what exactly is shame? Well first, shame is different from guilt. While guilt is feeling bad for what you have done, shame is feeling bad about who you are. It’s looking at yourself and feeling that you have a shortcoming. A person who has shame has a wrong or skewed perception of them self. A person who is experiencing shame probably feels unworthy and like they are a disgrace to others. They feel like whatever situation they are in is there fault or they did something wrong and they should be embarrassed. Shame always emphasizes sin’s effect on self-identity.

Unfortunately shame goes back to the fall of man in Genesis. And yes, while there was sin in the garden, the good news is we are under the new covenant and Jesus paid for your shame (as well as every other sin) on the cross. That means as a Christian you don’t have to be bound to shame, but can find freedom from it.

So how do you become unashamed? Well, you can’t do it on your own. But, just as John 8:32 says, “when you know the truth, the truth will set you free.” That means that when you put your identity in Christ and understand what His Word says about who you are in Him, then you can find freedom from any feelings of shame that you might be experiencing.

Let me remind you today that God doesn’t intend for you to feel any shame. You are loved. You are worthy. You are chosen. You can be set free! He wants you to see yourself just as He sees you and I can promise you that He never sees you as a shameful person.

Get rid the shame you have been living in and pursue a life that is full of freedom in Jesus! Ask God to forgive you and guide you throughout the process. Depending on who you are and what you are going through, this might not be a process that happens overnight. Seek counsel when, and if, needed. This is clearly a much bigger topic than one blog post, so I would be happy to discuss or pray with you if you desire. Whatever you do, fix your eyes on the things above, not of this world (or of yourself) (Col. 3:2) and pursue freedom in every area of your life.

PS. Don’t forget to enter the Devotional Bible Giveaway.

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