From Shame to Freedom

Do you know that God knew who you were before He knit you together in your mother’s womb? All of us were created in the image of God. His thoughts of you are good and He calls you by name.

The bible says “Now the man and his wife were both naked, but they felt no shame.” Genesis 2:25

God did not create us to feel shame. The fall of man is when Sin and Shame entered into the world.

Let’s bring it back to Adam and Eve: “At the moment their eyes were opened, and then suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So, they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the LORD God walking in the garden. So, they hid from the LORD God among the trees. Then the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?” He replied, “I heard You walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.” Genesis 3:7-10

Perhaps you can’t remember a time in your life that you didn’t feel shame. Maybe your childhood involved abuse, poverty, or you were bullied in school, or you didn’t feel pretty or smart enough.

If you feel like you’re hiding from God, you might be in Shame.

Do you know why in Genesis 3:9 God asks Adam, where are you? It’s not because He didn’t know. God is all-knowing. God asked because He was calling Adam back into His presence. God looked for him! He didn’t want Adam to go into hiding!

Jesus does the same. He put our shame on His cross and He offers restoration, and freedom through His forgiveness!

Shame stops us from stepping into the fullness of God’s rest by laying our burdens at His feet.

“Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.” Psalms 34:5

Let’s circle back to Guilt. Guilt is the emotion when we’ve done something wrong-when we’ve sinned against God and others.

This is a godly response to guilt: It will be motivated by love and a desire to restore what was broken through sorrow and repentance.

There is another kind of Guilt which is motivated by Fear and Pride (instead of Love and Humility) This can pull us away from restoration because there’s no repentance or effort to restore relationship.

Instead, we’re motivated to preserve or protect our own image. This holds us in bondage to the sin Jesus already paid for because we are refusing to confess our sin and seek forgiveness.

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10

Shame can motivate us to easily distrust others, avoid vulnerability, isolate ourselves and develop self-loathing. Shame says: “You need to hide.”

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

God wants us to approach His throne of Grace and repent so we can live as free as Jesus paid for us to live.

He wants a restored relationship! He wants to forgive! But we cannot receive any of these benefits if we run and hide from God.

“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:8-12

This reveals: God doesn’t want to treat us the way we deserve! He desires to give us mercy and to clean us so we can live in fellowship with Him!

We must use our Faith to Believe God truly gave everything so we could be in right standing with Him.

Now it is up to us to Believe Him and turn to Him in genuine repentance so He can wash us clean and we can be refreshed and renewed.

If Shame has stopped you from receiving God’s grace, let’s end that today.

“Heavenly Father,

You’re all knowing, merciful and kind. Your patience has given me the grace to end up here, today.

I will not waste another moment of lying to myself or hiding from your truth.

I’ve run from your presence because I could not stand in your holy presence.

But, the sacrifice of Jesus made Mercy my Salvation.

I need you, Lord.

I repent for living in rebellion and forging my own path, which has led to my destruction.

I’ve opened doors of addiction which causes me to depend on anything and anyone…except you.

Let the light of your Truth illuminate my mind, heart and path.

For without your help, I might go back.

The darkness shadows those with something to hide; but I can never hide my sin from you.

I was a fool to believe I could run away from being seen.

You see me, Lord. Imperfect and unable to help myself. Have mercy, Lord!

Today, I abandon the path which takes me away from your peace, presence and purpose.

Show me what you created me for and help fulfill your dreams through me.

In Jesus’ name, amen.”