Freedom From Shame
In John 8:31-36, Jesus speaks to new Jewish converts who, despite their heritage as descendants of Abraham, grapple with the concept of true freedom. Jesus asserts, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:31-32). This statement puzzles them as they claim never to have been slaves to anyone, asking, "How can you say that we shall be set free?" (John 8:33).
Jesus responds pointedly, emphasizing that anyone who sins is a slave to sin. This form of bondage, unlike physical constraints, is a spiritual captivity from which only Jesus can set us free. This liberation is not merely a change of status but a profound transformation of one's very being. Jesus said, “If I set you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).
Our ANZAC holiday and commemorations remind us of the sacrifices of the many soldiers who died on the battlefields for the freedoms we enjoy today. Freedom isn’t free; it comes at a cost.
When it comes to freedom in spiritual terms, Jesus did not come to merely reform or improve our condition but to redeem us completely from the bondage of sin and everything else that may have us bound.
Shame is a Prison House
In the depths of human emotion, few feelings are as crippling and pervasive as shame. Shame is a prison without bars. Shame holds its captives in a grip of constant self-condemnation and isolation.
Understanding the difference between guilt and shame is crucial for spiritual and emotional health. Guilt is the awareness of having done something wrong, which can lead to positive change and repentance. Shame, however, goes deeper, attacking our identity and worth, often leaving us feeling irredeemable. This distinction is vital because, while guilt can be constructive, shame is invariably destructive, severing our relationship with God.
Shame is more than a fleeting emotion; it is a deep-seated conviction that one is fundamentally flawed and unworthy of love or acceptance.
The Apostle Paul expresses a poignant struggle with his inner nature, encapsulated in his lament, "O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?" (Romans 7:18-24). Paul’s turmoil underscores the profound internal conflict that goes on in his life, causing him to feel shame.
Far too many Christians live a life imprisoned by shame. Jesus died for our sins, but He also died for our shame. Since I no longer carry my sins, then I no longer need to carry the shame of my sins!
We Can Cast Aside the Shame
As born-again believers, we are not defined by our lowest moments but by the highest truths of Scripture. In Christ, we find not just the promise of freedom but the profound reality of it: "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
The core message of Christianity is that Jesus died not only for our sins but also for our shame. Through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, those who believe are not only forgiven but are also cleansed from the shame that sin brings. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). Freedom is not only about being unshackled from sin, but also about casting aside our shame and renewing our mind and spirit. This dual deliverance is seen in the biblical exodus, where God not only led the Israelites out of Egypt but also worked to free them from a slavery mentality.
Shame is a harsh taskmaster, and its effects can be devastating. However, the gospel of Jesus Christ offers a powerful antidote. God still delivers, even after we are saved. He can deliver you from shame!
Shame Off You
Someone may have said to you, "Shame on you." Yes, shame was on us! However, God by His power, His grace, His goodness… shame is off us!
We are not what we did in the past.
We are not what others say we are.
We are not who we think we are.
We are not what somebody did to us.
We are who Jesus says we are. Our identity comes from Jesus. We are who He says we are. We are free. We are forgiven. We are changed. We are redeemed. We are healed. We are blessed. We are chosen. We are complete.
Shame may have defined our past, but it doesn’t have to define our future.