Living The Psalms With Jesus: Grow Closer To God Through PrayerSample

"Confession, Forgiveness, and Freedom"

Guilt and shame are two of the most painful emotions a human being can feel. Sometimes we feel shame because of something horrible we’ve done. Other times we feel it because of wrongs done against us. But whatever reason we feel shame, it hurts. It often triggers addictions or other destructive behavior. God does not want you riddled with shame and guilt. He wants you to be forgiven and healed because of the work of Christ on the cross.

The purpose of shame is the same purpose as physical pain. When I feel my hand burning on a hot pan, I pull it away so my hand isn’t destroyed. When we feel shame because of something we did to others, we should confess our mistakes to God, a loving soul-friend, or the one we offended, depending on the circumstances.

Too often, because we are embarrassed by our mistakes, or because we have created some kind of identity we need to uphold for our colleagues, friends, or family, we hide the shame and just keep feeling it. This is like keeping your hand on the frying pan even though it burns. Hiding your mistakes can wither and even destroy your inner life with God. Realize that everyone has sin, mistakes, and problems in their lives.

You can experience incredible freedom if you are willing to own your mistakes and confess them to others.

Prayer: Dear Father, I cannot hide my shame from you. Please forgive me for what I have done wrong. Help me to find a way to confess my sins to the ones I have hurt. I have the strength to do so knowing you are by my side. Amen.