Where to Find Freedom from Our Shame
Have you ever wondered why shame plagues you despite knowing your sins are forgiven? The nagging voice that asks, “Why did you do that?!” “Everyone thinks badly of you!” It can lead to feeling that something is wrong with you and that you’re not good enough, which makes you want to hide your real self, not trust others, and not let anyone see the real you.
That’s a sad way to live. Shame keeps you from letting others love you.
Shame keeps you from letting others love you.
And you’re not alone. Shame is a horrible feeling that doesn’t go away quickly! It faces us every day, lurks in every mirror, and is always ready to condemn. Shame distorts everything—our view of ourselves, our view of God, and our view of others. When shame defines us, we live with a broken perspective.
Shame is rooted in sin. Before the cross, Jesus never experienced shame. Why? Because He never sinned. But at the cross, we’re told that Christ bore the guilt of our sin and the shame that comes with it.
Hebrews 12:2 He endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Shame is a false belief that the gospel’s truth must slay and replace. We must choose to trust what Jesus Christ did for us and what God says about us rather than believe the accusations of our shame.
We must choose to trust what Jesus Christ did for us and what God says about us rather than believe the accusations of our shame.
More than removing our sin and covering our shame, Jesus clothes us in His righteousness. In Christ, we are given a new identity and an exalted position.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
In God’s eyes, you are no longer defined by your embarrassments, sin, or shame but by your union with His Son. You are eternally favored by God. Live this. Trust Jesus for this, He’ll confirm it.
The cross not only frees you from condemnation but replaces the lies of shame with the glory of Christ. Trusting Him, you don’t need to hide. You can open yourselves to love.
The cross isn’t only a place of forgiveness but of transformation and eternal joy.