Breaking Shame’s Power

 Shame is a powerful emotion which repeatedly tells us that we are worthless, unacceptable, unforgiveable, and have no place in a loving relationship.  Pictures of embarrassing happenings tend to replay in our minds and intensify our shame.  However, God stands ready to forgive what we have done and help us repair the harm caused to others and to ourselves.  The only way to rid ourselves of the shame we feel is to ask for and receive the forgiveness of God for our actions.  When we accept Jesus’ death as payment for ALL our sins, God will work to bring restoration and healing wherever an event has caused harm. 

 People who live in shame are bound up with fear.  They build walls.  They are terrified of getting to know themselves.  They mask their faces and live a role that does not reflect who they truly are.  They constantly seek the approval of others.  They are unable to live in a mutually healthy relationship because, at the core of their being, they believe they can never measure up to what the other person wants them to be. 

 
God invites us to turn away from our sins and receive forgiveness. God wants us to be who we truly are – the person He created us to be.  God wants us to come to Him just as we are, shame and all.  As we wholeheartedly give our will and life over to God’s care, our old shameful self is put to death and we are raised to a new life without stain or blemish.  The solution to shame is to receive what God is offering, see what God sees in us, and repeat what God is saying about us.

 The Spirit that we received is not a spirit that makes us slaves again and causes us to fear.  The Spirit that we have makes us God’s chosen children.  And with that Spirit we cry out, “ Abba, Father.”  And the Spirit himself speaks to our spirits and makes us sure that we are God’s children.  (Romans 8:15-16 ERV)

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, I admit that in the past I have done shameful things.  I repent of what I have done and thank You for dying on the cross to pay the penalty for my sin and shame.  I accept Your death in my place, I believe I am free from all sin and have become a child of God. From this day forward, I choose to follow Your ways and rely on all Your promises.  Amen