There’s something about sin that radiates a feeling of shame, especially in the minds of new believers. There are chances that those who are new in the Christian fold, may have a proclivity to feel that accepting Christ immediately means “no more mistakes.” Many even become disgusted with themselves because they feel guilty and think sin still has a hold on them.
The difficult emotion called Shame
The truth is shame has a way of playing tricks on the human mind. It is a difficult emotion that can affect just about anyone. This is why some wallow in shame and can’t see it. While others have unknowingly let shame harm their mindset to the extent of killing their relationship with God. Shame has become a clog in the wheel of their prayer life.
It reminds me of those times I disobeyed my parents and waited to get disciplined. My Grandmother would report an exaggerated version of my actions to my parents. It was always good enough to ensure I didn’t go unscathed. Those who can relate, understand the fear and shame that grips you just before you get spanked. You know you’re guilty and your mind is racing in many troubling directions.
Shame and the blame game
Shame makes you blame yourself for doing the wrong thing. We become extremely self-critical and begin to feel we deserve whatever bad thing comes from our mistakes. We crave to be punished. Hence, some believers struggle with understanding that while God may discipline, he doesn’t condemn. Our flawed human nature finds it difficult to agree that mistakes are allowed because forgiveness is available.
By virtue of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, some don’t know that Jesus now represents us in front of the Father. God does not hold us in shame, no matter what we think we did or think about ourselves. Jesus has freed us from sin and any other thing that comes with it. All God cares about is having a personal relationship with each of us.
The devil and the tool of shame
The devil sees shame as a necessary tool because those troubled by it are stuck and hostage to it. The devil enjoys using shame as a weapon because it works. He knows that as long as we believe we must remain ashamed, we would not key into God’s abundant grace for us. The erroneous thought that some sins are too big for God to forgive and forget unfortunately leads those living in shame and guilt into darkness.
How to overcome shame
The best and only way to overcome shame is by studying the Word of God, seeing what God says about grace, and encouraging yourself with positive affirmations. Instead of staying mad at ourselves and shamefully hiding from the presence of God, we should confidently hide in Jesus Christ – the Rock of our salvation. We must remind ourselves of who we are by taking time to meditate on scriptures that explain what Christ has done with our sins. As believers, we must give the Holy Spirit a chance to reform how we think of ourselves. This is how we make shame powerless in our lives.
We must trust God to reignite our thirst for him and deeply transform our capacity to feel the delight that God has for us in Christ Jesus. As children of God, our culture must be one of confidence in prayer, as nothing trumps God’s constant love for us.
Step out of the world of shame today. His grace is more than sufficient for you.
Ogo Adelakun loves writing on diverse subjects.
