The Shame Game
Joel 2:27 NIV
"Then you will know that I am in Israel, that I am the Lord your God and that there is no other; never again will my people be put to shame."
As humans, one of the many emotions we feel is shame. Whether we've made the wrong decision, stumbled down the wrong path, or acted in ways in which we know we shouldn't have, shame often tends to creep in and cause us to feel bad. Here's the thing, it's not a bad thing that we recognize what we have done wrong-especially if it's something that goes against our faith. If we believe and have the Holy Spirit in us, it will speak to us what is right and what is wrong, but it will never make us feel shame. This being said, Christ dying on the cross was to bear our shame for us. Because of God's love for us, the crucifixion voids our shame and opens up the door for repentance. If this is so, then why do we still feel shame? Shame is a tactic used by the enemy (which is the devil) to make us feel bad, and it usually works!
When we feel shame, just like when we feel angry or depressed or anxious, our thoughts become corrupt and do not align with the God's truth. As a result of our shame, we may even run from our faith because we feel like we're not worthy of God's love. This is when it is vital to remember that we don't have to be ashamed because God isn't the one making us feel that way! He loves us so much that He sent His one and only Son to die on the cross, wiping away our guilt and shame. Romans 10:11 says, "Anyone who believes in him will never be out to shame." Can you believe that? God doesn't want us to feel shame, but He does want us to repent if we have done wrong. If we do that, He will not only forgive us of our transgressions but forget them as well (Jeremiah 31:34).
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