Healing From Sexual ShameSample

Where Does Forgiveness Come From? 

When it comes to sexual shame, we all carry one burden or another. For some, it is the weight of our own sexual sin and selfishness. Others carry the memory of sexual abuse—of being sinned against. This shame is often complicated by purity culture rhetoric that wrongly places responsibility on victims for things they could not stop or control. For every form of sin and shame, we need healing—the kind that comes from outside ourselves.

It was not only Jesus’ soul pain on the cross that hurt God but the way his flesh was torn by thorns and nails, the way he was stripped, humiliated by public nakedness, and whipped almost to the point of death. Our bodies matter to God. What we do in our bodies matters to God. What others do to our bodies matters to God. And our shame is not invisible to him. 

What is something you are ashamed of? 

What do you tend to do with that shame? How do you respond when it bubbles up and troubles your soul?

Psalm 34:4-5 says that God’s children will never be put to shame. It’s hard to imagine, but for those in Christ, it is our future hope. No matter how many sins we have committed or how many times we have been sinned against, there is coming a day when we will look to God and be unashamed because of the forgiveness and wholeness we have received in Christ. 

Even with this future hope, it can be difficult to deal with the memories of our sexual failings and the failings of others. Many of us live with very tangible consequences that act as regular reminders of the power of sexual sin and abuse. The concept of forgiveness can be hard to truly grasp. Psalm 103:10 acknowledges this, describing God as someone who refuses to give us what we really deserve. Our sins deserve punishment. But instead of us having to pay the price, God looks to his son, Jesus, who paid it for us on the cross. Psalm 103 continues by reminding us that we are not only forgiven but loved, steadfastly, by God himself. 

Reflect on what else Psalm 103:10-14 teaches us about how God sees us and treats us.

Make a list and keep it for those moments when shame rears its ugly head.