No More Shame
“We don’t change by avoiding the difficult issues of the heart.”
Matthew 1:18-21 (ESV) Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame [to expose her to public disgrace], resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
What is shame?
Guilt and shame are NOT the same thing.
Psalm 51:1-4 (NLT) Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. 2 Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. 3 For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. 4 Against You, and You alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in Your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and Your judgment against me is just.
Genesis 3:10 (NIV) But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” 10 He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.
Psalm 44:15 (ESV) All day long my disgrace is before me, and shame has covered my face.
“Shame is the painful emotion that is caused by a consciousness of failure, that often results in the paralyzing belief that one is worthless, of no value to others or to God, unacceptable, and altogether deserving of disdain and rejection.”
How does shame enter into our lives?
Our shame reveals the dark places of our hearts where we have yet to either — receive God’s healing or forgiveness.
How can shame reshape our lives?
Shame is powerful enough to change the whole trajectory of a person’s life.
“Shame is not just the fear of disconnection, but it’s actually the greatest cause of disconnection.”
How can we be healed from shame?
Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV) Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.