Shamed!

March 10, 2022

Shamed!

Shame is one of the reasons most of us remain shackled in the past.  Shame is what causes us to hesitate to step into the next amazing thing to which Jesus is leading us.  Shame is what leaves us seeing ourselves as worthless.

King David is an example of someone who found it difficult to move beyond the shame of adultery.

The Apostle Judas is an example of someone who found it difficult to move beyond the shame of betraying Jesus.

Zacchaeus is an example of someone who found it difficult to move beyond the shame of cheating people.

Adultery, betrayal, and cheating can lead us to a place of shame.  Not doing our best, not being honest, and not standing up for someone in trouble can lead us to a place of shame.  Shame leaves us shackled to the past rather than free to live fully today.

The problem with shame is it convinces us we cannot be forgiven, we cannot be restored, we cannot be close to the heart of God.  In other words, shame convinces us that we are not welcome in the presence of Jesus; we no longer belong in the Kingdom of God.

And so, we hesitate to try again.  We are uncertain how to move beyond the shame so we can be in the will of God.  We stay stuck, shackled, and shamed.

I have been doing a book study with a middle school student the last several weeks.  The book is about Jesus’ story of the prodigal son in Luke 15.  There is an amazing picture of forgiveness and grace in Jesus’ story.

In Luke 15:20 Jesus says; “But while he (the youngest son) was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he (the father) ran and put his arms around him and kissed him.”  The father is our Heavenly Father.  The son is anyone who has ever experienced shame.  The story is about you and me.

The good news is the Lord God is ready and able to forgive us, welcome us, and accept us back. 

You may have a friend who is struggling with shame right now.  Maybe you have tried to support them and encourage them.  But, they are still imprisoned by the shame.  I invite you to take some time this week to share a cup of coffee with your friend.

When the conversation goes in the direction of their shame, be bold.  Share the good news of the prodigal son.  Remind them that the Lord will take the shame away so we can live fully with the Spirit’s peace and joy and love. 

When that happens, their heart, your heart, and the heart of God will be filled with incredible delight that one more child of God has been set free from the shackles of shame.

Take Delight In The Lord!

Doug