Shame
Shame isolates us! It’s a hidden secret. It doesn’t like coming into the light. It makes us believe that we’re constantly uncovered and that the people surrounding us can see all the way into us. It steals our confidence and compromises our self-worth. It is the ultimate thief and liar that stops us from being authentic. We can take it on ourselves by doing what we later consider shameful, or we can carry shame as a result of what was done to us. Quite possibly one of our ancestors could be the origin of shame, remembering that shame, as with anger, divorce, or so many repetitive patterns can be passed down the generations as learned behaviour. Either way, that shame will hold us back from being who Father God wants us to be, a beloved son or daughter, made in His image and living a life knowing our identity and purpose, strong in ourselves, known to God and loved by Him.
Shame doesn’t have to be as a result of something sexual. It can arise from any activity or thought that we’re ashamed of, whether done by us or against us, but more often shame comes as a result of having been abused or allowing sexual sin into our lives. Abuse or sexual sin leaves one scarred. We feel dirty, worthless and unlovable, sometimes almost as if we deserved it because possibly, we believe we attracted or deserved the abuse. This is a lie! Don’t take on the responsibility for another person’s misbehaviour.
If you have acted in a shameful way, what then? Do you feel that your action has placed you beyond God’s grace? Do you feel that He’s turned His back on you? The answer is up to you. If a child of yours acted awfully but was truly repentant, how would you respond? Hopefully with an acceptance based on deep love. So how much more likely is it that Father God is ready to accept a truly repentant child of His? Nothing, with true and full repentance, is beyond redemption. Whatever you might feel, the truth is that God has forgiven you. If you’ve been abused and have just read this paragraph, remember that we need to forgive much, because we, in turn, have been forgiven much. It may not be easy, but it’s a choice that leads to release and freedom.
Reading:
I – yes, I alone – will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again.
Isaiah 43:25 NLT
Also Read:
Romans 8:1
1 John 1:976
Prayer and Response:
Thank Father God that He sees you and knows you better than you do and loves you nonetheless! Tell Him that you’re determined not to partner with shame any longer. If you’ve dealt with shame in your Sozo, declare these truths again!
Ask Jesus to show you what your life would look like if you were able to live it entirely free of shame. As He shows you, ask Him what stops you from experiencing that freedom. You may want to write down what He tells you so you can start to deal with whatever He’s highlighted to you.