Shedding Shame for Surrender: Finding Healing in Gods Love a 4 - Day Bible Plan by Jackie Smith BellНамуна

Shame Doesn’t Have the Final Say

'You can't heal what you continue to hide,' my Bible study teacher had spoken those words before, but only now did I truly grasp the reality of what was said with a newfound sense of conviction and understanding.

The statement deeply resonated with me on multiple levels, considering my Christian upbringing and my status as a young woman who partied excessively, hid my behavior, and struggled with unspoken emotional pain.

Wounded and ashamed by past mistakes, I felt unworthy of God's love and redemption, especially when comparing myself to other Christians who seemed to have it all together.

If you have ever felt this way, you are not alone. With all the hiding and self-loathing that accompanies shame, it's easy to believe that God couldn't forgive someone whose life seems to be ruined, but the truth is that God loves us beyond the damage that's occurred in our lives. His love is steadfast, and He is faithful (Psalm 25:10). He doesn't shame us (Psalm 25:3), and though shame may have devastated our past, it doesn't have the final say in our story.

Paul highlights this truth in Romans 8:1- 2 when he says, " Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death."

This Bible verse is one of the most liberating affirmations in Scripture because it helps believers understand that while sin brings guilt and shame through Satan's accusations, God lovingly convicts our hearts to change our ways and leads us to repentance. Through Jesus' complete sacrifice, we are free from condemnation. Like Paul, we can acknowledge our sinful nature while recognizing Jesus' love and sacrifice on the cross that saves and frees us from sin.

Paul acknowledged that when we surrender our shortcomings to God, either from our own sins or the sins committed against us, we can confidently trust that He won't condemn us if we have accepted God's offer of salvation through Christ.

Friends, acknowledging our need for redemption through Jesus Christ is the first step towards reconciliation from sin.

First John 1:9 tells us that confessing our sins leads to forgiveness and righteousness. This act of admission isn't meant to shame us but to free us from the pain of sin and bring healing.

Ready to accept God's invitation to heal past hurts and the shame they bring?

Let's embrace God's sovereignty, love, and forgiveness through Christ over the next four days, fostering hope and healing through biblical truth found in His Word.

Surrendering shame and everything that hinders true healing, the kind of healing anchored through God’s grace, love, and forgiveness to the Lord- let's do it!

Affirmation: God alone can save and heal me from my sin and the harm caused by others' sin. Healing is a process that cannot be rushed, but rather accepted with patience and self-awareness, fully surrendered to Him.

Questions: How would your life change if you accepted God's forgiveness and grace, letting go of guilt and shame once and for all?

Today, read Romans 8 and witness Paul's honest admission of sin and wrongdoing, showcasing that no one is beyond God's redemption.