Do you ever feel an overwhelming sense of shame?

Maybe you’ve made some pretty big mistakes in the past. Maybe you’ve mistreated your children, cheated on a spouse, had an abortion, struggled with addiction or stolen from your employer. We all know these things are wrong so the guilt over what we’ve done in the past sometimes eats away at us and makes us ashamed. If that’s you, I have good news for you: there is no more shame.

The first people to experience shame in the Bible were Adam and Eve. They had disobeyed God and ate the fruit from the wrong tree. This messed everything up. Well, the Bible records in Genesis chapter 3 that God comes looking for Adam to spend some time with Him but Adam hides from God. In verse 10 he tells God that he hid because “I was afraid because I was naked.”

You see, shame is a type of fear. Shame says “if people knew what I was really like they wouldn’t love me or want me.” We may feel guilt because of regret about things we’ve done. But people feel shame when they regret who they are.

Adam and Eve did the two things we all do when we’re ashamed: hide & blame.

First, we hide – either by withdrawing ourselves from others or by lying to cover up the things we’ve done. Have you ever considered going to church but then thought “nah, they wouldn’t want someone like me there.” Or maybe you do go to a church but you put on a front so people won’t know the real you. You don’t need to hide anymore. Jesus knows everything you’ve done and still loves you and wants you as His child.

Secondly, people who are ashamed blame others. In Genesis 3, Adam blames Eve for giving him the fruit and Eve blames the snake for enticing her. Blame is a defense mechanism we use to try to convince ourselves that we’re not at fault. I have good news and bad news: the bad news is that you are at fault. However, the unbelievably good news is that Jesus willingly took the blame for your sins when He died on the cross. You don’t have to blame anyone else anymore – He willingly accepts it!

What if you decided to accept the love and forgiveness of Jesus and reject the shame of your past? Wouldn’t it feel great to have a fresh start with a clean slate? If so, pray this prayer to God:

“God, I admit that I am a sinner. I am filled with shame and find myself hiding and blaming. But I understand now that you love me and have given me Your Son Jesus, who took my shame and bears my blame. I turn away from my sin and I turn to You. I trust that Jesus’ death and resurrection have paid for my sin and I receive the new life and healing that comes from knowing Jesus. Teach me your ways and show me how to live. Thank You for loving me and thank You for saving me. Amen”

If you prayed that prayer, I am so happy for you! This is just the beginning of a beautiful and exciting relationship between you and the Lord. Please click here to use our contact form to email me directly and let me know about your experience with God.

Whether you just prayed to receive Christ or you’ve been saved for years, its vital that you get connected to a Bible-believing church that will train you and show you how to grow in Christ. Jesus never intended you to follow Him alone! There are many good churches in the Thomasville area and we at VFC would love to have you visit. Click here to visit our Location & Times page to see where we are located and when we meet. Please let us know how we can serve you.

Be Blessed!
Pastor Jamie
Victory Fellowship Church