Shameless

Mostof us feel shame when we behave badly, as we should. Only people with major disorders, such as sociopaths and narcissists, don’t feel shame. How we move past our shame is important to our walk with God and overall wellbeing. Trying to hide from God, as Adam and Eve did (Genesis 3:8), or lying to ourselves about our misdeeds, just doesn’t work.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John. 1:8&9)

Therefore, our first step is honesty, which requires humility. In humility we can summon the courage to face our ugly parts, correct bad behaviors, accept forgiveness and draw closer to God. We do this as often as we need to because God’s mercy is infinite.

…as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12 & 13 NIV)

Before he was confronted by Christ on the road to Damascus and called to be an apostle, Paul violently persecuted Christians. Talk about feelings of shame! But he didn’t allow his shameful past to put distance between himself and God, or to hinder the future to which God called him. He moved past his shame.

But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13b NIV)

If we don’t deal with them, emotions like shame can widen the space between God and us. That’s not what He wants. We’re all imperfect. God knows this. He loves us anyway. We can be at peace.

Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded … Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. (James 4:8,10 NIV) ❚

--Janine Pumilia