Thursday, May 11, 2023
As flawed humans, we are bound to struggle with guilt and shame during our lives. Each of us has done something we regret—said hurtful things, indulged in an unhealthy habit, or somehow or another sinned against God and others. We often feel ashamed of ourselves for our sins and carry the heavy burden of our guilt and regret. All too often, we feel like we are not enough for God and undeserving of his grace.
I have personally wrestled with my thoughts on how God views me. I often catch myself feeling so weighed down by the guilt of my sins that I am too ashamed to approach God. Unfortunately, thoughts like this can make us reluctant to read our Bibles, pray, or otherwise connect with God because we fear that he is angry, looking upon us in disdain. It is truly difficult to grasp the fact that, although we still sin each day, Christ has completely cleansed us of our sin so that we’re no longer defined by it. Through him alone, our identity changes. Each of us becomes a new person. Christ’s sacrifice gives us the priceless gift of being made right before God. The words written by the apostle Paul to the Colossians are as relevant today as ever.
Speaking of God’s grace, Paul writes:
Colossians 1:21-22
21 This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. 22 Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.
We no longer must fear that God is scrutinizing every single mistake or constantly looking down upon us in judgment. We can find peace in the fact that Jesus has cleansed every single one of our sins—past, present, and future. Thanks to Jesus’ sacrifice, you and I have become new creations! We are no longer defined by our sins—we are unblemished, holy children of God.
On earth, each of us will continue to struggle with sin throughout our lives. The good news is that while we were not worthy to stand before God by our own doing, Christ wiped our sin and guilt away on the cross. You are worthy! Don’t fall into the enemy’s trap and define yourself by your past sins and missteps.
Trust in God’s definition of us: We are holy and blameless through Jesus Christ.
Questions:
How does the feeling of shame affect your relationship with God?
How do you define yourself? How does it compare with how God defines us?
Next Steps:
Join a Group to connect with other Christ followers who encourage and support each other so that you can grow in your faith together.
Participate in Baptism. Make a public declaration of your faith, symbolizing the new life God has given you through Jesus Christ.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son as a sacrifice for me, taking all of my sin and shame to the cross with him. Through Jesus, I have been made holy and blameless before you. Help me to boldly walk in this confidence and truly believe in your definition of me, rather than the world’s or how I sometimes see myself. Thanks for loving me and making me new despite my sins and mistakes. Help me to share this grace with others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Philippians 2:13
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.