Romans 8:1, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…”
2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Shame is defined as “the painful feeling arising from the consciousness of something dishonorable, improper, ridiculous, etc., done by oneself or another.” Shame shows up uninvited. It is messy. It steals your joy. It accuses your soul. Shame first appears in the Garden when Adam and Eve sin (Genesis 3). The couple decided that their nakedness needed covering – shame. Like Adam and Eve, our human instinct is to hide our shame. We try to hide with “modern-day fig leaves.” We cover shame with addictions, busyness, perfectionism, good deeds, and even service.
Shame slams your identity; shame sends you away from God. Shame skews your self-esteem and how you see yourself. Shame can develop into guilt, and it is not beneficial. We can destroy shame with Christ’s help because He paid the price on Calvary. When we confess our sins, He forgives us and cleanses us thoroughly!
As believers, we have weapons: prayer, God’s Word, God’s people, and meditating on the truth. Combat shame with prayer; speak to God about your concerns, worries, and issues. Fight guilt with His Word; believe what He says about you. Confront shame and regret with encouragement from God’s people. Our thinking will change as we renew our minds and dwell on the truth.
Memorize Romans 1:8 so that you can remind yourself of the truth when you are stuck in a cycle of shame. If you are struggling with peace, talk to Jesus. Even when we can’t see Him, He is at work.
Jesus, help me today dwell on things that are pure, lovely, true, and praiseworthy. Thank You for Your forgiveness. Amen.