Christian Foundations 1 - IdentitySample

ETERNALLY LOVED

Shame is a terrible thing. One of the dangers of our new life in Jesus is that we can easily feel shame because we’re not good enough for God and don’t deserve his grace. We try hard, but we fail. Shame. We cave into temptation again. Shame. We don’t tell people about Jesus. Shame. We don’t speak to God for a day. Shame. And so it goes on. We are susceptible to shame and condemnation that deceive us into thinking that God couldn’t really like us, couldn’t really be pleased with us, couldn’t really be on our side. 

If you struggle in any way with shame or anxiety, you need to let this reading settle deep into your heart.

Read: Romans 8:31-39

Journal

1. What is God saying to me? Which verse is most significant? 

2. What do I want to discuss/explore further? 

3. What do I need to do?

4. What is God’s response to the shame we feel about our weakness and failure? 

Reflect 

There are two pictures in this Scripture reading of how God deals with us in our brokenness. The first picture is that of a judge (8:31-33). This judge listens to all the accusations against us. Some of these accusations come from other people, but most of them come from within ourselves as we experience shame. The trouble for the accusers is that the judge has already made up his mind. He has already pronounced us “Not guilty.” No matter how serious or frequent the allegations, the judge’s response is the same, “Not guilty.” Jesus has already taken our sin and he keeps reminding God of this, so there is just no charge to consider, the case has already been thrown out of court. 

The second picture is that of an incredible Brother (8:35-39). Jesus just keeps on loving us. We go through very difficult times. Jesus keeps loving us. We are weak and broken. Jesus keeps loving us. We are attacked by dangerous spiritual forces. Jesus keeps loving us. We are worried about the future. Jesus keeps loving us. We feel worthless. Jesus keeps loving us. No matter what happens in our life, Jesus keeps loving us. Nothing, nothing can separate us from the love of our gracious big Brother (and our loving Father). It’s a family thing.

You need to hold on to this, especially when you are dealing with shame or anxiety. As far as God is concerned, nothing can come between you and him. No accusation will be heard against you. Jesus has dealt with them all. No problem or failure will cause God to stop loving you deeply. Jesus just never stops loving his brothers and sisters. Nothing changes this. God is completely for you. God will love you eternally, no matter what you do.

Pray

Your grace is so incredible Jesus. To think that you won’t hear a word against me, even when I feel so much shame. To think that you keep on loving me, even when I don’t really love myself. This is so unthinkable and so good. Please help me to really accept, absorb and celebrate your love. May I not push you away in my brokenness but hold on to you tightly. I thank you that you will love me forever. 

Respond

Take some time to be aware of the deep love that Jesus has for you. You really are safe. You can’t slip away from his love. He’s protecting and loving you right now. And will do so forever. Relax and appreciate his precious love.