Romans 1:16 Unashamed

From time to time, we feel shame; shame from something we have done, shame from an association. Feeling shame or embarrassment can range from an unpleasant feeling to a crippling fear. Shame in the Jewish culture was more than feeling an emotion privately. It was often dealt with publicly and held long-term consequences.

I often wonder, “Why would Paul feel the need to emphasize not being ashamed of the gospel?” There were many reasons in the first century to be afraid. The Romans were in power and were persecuting Christians. The Jewish leaders called Jesus a blasphemer. The Gentile populations believed in a variety of gods and self-serving practices and expected all of Rome to do similarly. Paul himself was considered a traitor by the religious leaders of the Jews. Seems like reason enough to be afraid.

Yet, Paul not only stands by the gospel but provides the reason why. He declares his commitment to the power of salvation that the gospel gives to all who believe. Consider how powerful the gospel of Christ truly is; it has the power to save us from the consequences of sin, and from the permanency of death, and it gives us an incredibly rich, deep, and abundant relationship with the Almighty God. That’s a LOT of power!

So, what is it in our lives that makes us feel or act ashamed of declaring and committing to share the message of Christ?

Are those things more powerful than the power of the gospel?

Can we stand up, like Paul, and embrace, with pride, the power of the message of salvation?

-Gaylyn Mott