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Word4Today Daily Bible Devotional

by Bob and Debby Gass

Rising above guilt and shame (1)

THERE IS…NO CONDEMNATION TO THOSE WHO ARE IN CHRIST.

ROMANS 8:1 NIV
For the next few days we’re going to focus in on some deeper issues that have a huge impact on our sense of confidence and self-worth. A well-known author writes: ‘Because my father sexually abused me, I felt shame, which I internalised. At some point I made an unhealthy transition in my thinking. I was no longer ashamed of what he’d done…instead I became ashamed of myself…I felt like there was something wrong with me if my own father wanted to do those things. For years I had a message playing in my mind that said, "What’s wrong with me?" That’s one reason I was excited to learn that salvation clothed me in God’s righteousness (see 2 Corinthians 5:21). For…years I felt wrong…now I finally feel right.’ Shame and depression go hand-in-hand. And while doctors can prescribe medication for depression, there’s no medicine for shame; except the truth of God’s love! But reading the Bible and not putting it into practise is like getting a prescription from a doctor and not taking it. James says, ‘Do not merely listen to the word…Do what it says’ (James 1:22 NIV). That means believing the truth of the Bible no matter how you may feel. Feelings change with your hormones, sleep patterns and circumstances; you can’t trust them to tell you the truth. That’s why the Bible says: ‘Let God change the way you think. You will know what is good and pleasing to him (Romans 12:2 NCV). With Jesus there’s no guilt, even when you’ve done wrong or been wronged. You say sorry and you are forgiven. So shake off your guilt and shame and begin to live!

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