Guilt, Shame, and Forgiveness

Too many people live in the extremes of refusing to assume guilt for anything to living under a heavy burden of shame for mistakes acknowledged. 

God wants us to live free and with dignity even though He knows that we are flawed human beings who need saving.

How do we know that we are rescued from our sin and from the destruction that sin causes?  We receive the forgiveness that God offers to anyone who acknowledges their failures and asks for cleansing.

If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:8-9

So, the first bit for us is to acknowledge that, just like every other human being, we sin. Those who think they can do what they want whenever they want need to take these words to heart.  The truth is, we are all people who sin. We’re not called to hang our heads and beat ourselves up, just admit reality.

But things are not taken care of by simply acknowledging things that have gone wrong, That’s where those burdened with shame get it wrong.  God only wants us to be clear about where we need forgiveness and then ask for and receive what He will willingly pour out on us.

The joy we experience when we walk in God’s forgiveness is well worth taking time to get honest with ourselves and God.

Here are some words many people, including me, pray daily. 

Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts.

We have offended against your holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done; and apart from your grace, there is no health in us.

O Lord, have mercy upon us. Spare all those who confess their faults. Restore all those who are penitent, according to your promises declared to all people in Christ Jesus our Lord.

And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, that we may now live a godly, righteous, and sober life,  to the glory of your holy Name. Amen.

Let’s live in the joy of God’s forgiveness today.