Freedom From Guilt And Shame By Pete Briscoeনমুনা

It’s that simple

The caged bird sings

with a fearful trill

of things unknown

but longed for still

and his tune is heard

on the distant hill

for the caged bird

sings of freedom.

– Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

I know it sounds too easy: Tell Jesus you sinned and ask for forgiveness.

I can tell you confidently that it wasn’t easy for Jesus.

And I know it sounds so simple to just reply to the condemnation of your conscience, and say, “Yes, I know what I did was wrong – I even know I was wrong. But Jesus has dealt with it. I’m resting in Him.”

It sounds so easy, but I assure you it wasn’t easy for Him.

This simplicity – this depending upon what Jesus has already done – is the Gospel, friends. We long for the power of the Gospel, but we struggle with its simplicity.

But what if you fulfilled your longing for freedom by asking Jesus to cleanse you of your sin and cleanse your conscience? Imagine a life free from guilt and shame, and full of the presence of God!

Why? Why is this freedom so important in the life of a believer?

“How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!” (Hebrews 9:14)

The two words so that tell us there is one huge purpose to having our consciences cleansed by Jesus. Christ cleanses us so we may serve the living God. The word serve comes from the Greek word latreuo, and it means to worship and enjoy the presence of the living God.

Jesus wants you free from sin and shame so you can enter into God’s presence. Let me ask you: What in your history keeps you from experiencing intimacy with God? Whatever the answer, Jesus wants to set you free. Just ask Him.

Jesus, thank You for making this simple. I come to You with a request today: Replace my guilt with Your innocence. Relieve this burden of condemnation. I bask in Your unconditional acceptance and praise You for it! Allow this new life to affect all areas of living and loving. Amen.

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