Grace Corner… SHAME… on You?!?
by Velma Albert
How do you deal with shame? Even as believers, we’re either shamed or unfortunately shaming others! When we’re sick or going through a physical challenge, we have so many scriptures for healing. Leading the way is Isaiah 53:5 “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities;…and by His stripes we ARE healed.” We also meditate on 1 Peter 2:24 for healing as well. When we need peace (especially in these times), look no further than Isaiah 26:3 NLT…”You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you”! People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don’t quit” (MSG Bible)! For protection, we’re ‘Psalms 91 Equipped’ and Psalm 46:1 again lets us know that “God is our refuge (a safe place) and strength (when we’re weak), a very present help in trouble.”
Shame seems to attack the very essence of who we are. Have you also noticed the spirit of shame brings with it guilt, condemnation and even fear…all designed to make you ‘think’ God no longer loves, sees or even cares about you…NOT after what you said or even done! The enemy put thoughts in our minds to make us think they are our thoughts or as believers, that they are God’s thoughts towards us! WHAT A LIAR!!
Shame wants you to hide; not only from others but even from God! Look at Genesis 3:7-10 at what happened when Adam and Eve’s eyes were opened after they disobeyed God: they hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God and Genesis 3:10 says Adam was afraid and hid himself. When we feel we have disobeyed or even disappointed God, we feel ashamed, condemned, guilty and even fear. Ashamed because we actually committed the act (sin), condemned because we know it’s NOT pleasing to God, guilty and fearful because we ‘feel’ God will judge us!
BUT GOD…from our relationship with Him, we know His character! EVERYTHING about our GOD is LOVE! Romans 5:8 NKJV confirms “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” If we allow shame or even sickness to rule our lives, we’re exalting it above the finished work of Jesus! Again, as believers, we’re transformed by renewing our minds with the word of God. So here are a couple of scriptures to meditate on when (not if) shame tries to control your life: Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now NO condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,…”
Isaiah 50:7 “For the Lord God will help Me, therefore I will not be disgraced; Therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed.” (Isaiah 54:4a, Romans 10:11 & Isaiah 49:23b are also good!)
Beloved, as we enter another Resurrection Season, let’s keep our minds on Jesus and what He has already done for us at the cross. We “look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God”. As Jesus is, so are we, beloved, in this world. Shame on YOU?! NO, NO & NO; it doesn’t stand a chance so cast it off and BE who you are…the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus! Happy Easter, indeed!!!
