Shame
Shame is not from God. We can feel embarrassed, remorseful or even "ashamed" for a sinful action. But we are not the sum of our mistakes, especially for those who are in Christ. The bible says if we repent and ask for forgiveness, there is no condemnation. (Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1) Please do not trample and take God's grace as a license to intentionally and consciously continue to live contrary to God's word. But even still, the grace of God cannot be undone.
Jesus Christ paid a great price, his own life to take all of our shame and guilt.
While we are all on this journey of becoming more like Christ, a good indicator something is not from God is when old feelings of shame or victim mentality (anything of the old nature) tempts to creep back into our thoughts. We should be alert and take that as a signal that there may be an area in our heart, belief and thinking that needs to be tended too. It needs to be surrendered and released to Jesus, then replaced with his word and truth. Particularly for those who have done the hard heart work and have been walking in freedom but then unexpectedly something trips you up. You begin to entertain feelings of shame or feeling "less than" (not worthy) after a particular conversation or interaction with someone. if that is you, please be cautious.
We're all a work in progress and we're all working and walking our healing and sanctification out. And sometimes we fumble, stumble, step on toes, it can be hairy and messy and we goof up. So I am not saying that person is evil nor am I advocating we cut people off (cancel culture) or place judgement on them. Most definitely graciously give them the benefit of the doubt, but in guarding your heart, please pray and seek the Holy Spirits wisdom and discernment on the matter. Then if the situation permits, do the brave and uncomfortable but necessary work of going back to the person and communicate with them. Seek clarification with the person, pursue truth, understanding and unity. Depending on the outcome, if they are a fellow believer and you "agree to disagree" or do not see eye to eye, then bless them and love them with the love of Jesus. And if necessary, it's more than okay to move on.
For those who have trusted in Jesus, we are one family through the blood of Jesus. But we are also all at different places in our faith journey. So do what you can to keep the unity but unity does not mean we have to give them a place in our heart or a voice in our ear. Unity seeks to honor the other person as a fellow image bearer of God, a child of God, our brother and sister in Christ. In our Father's house, there are many rooms. We can co-exist and there can be mutual love and respect because of Jesus. But we don't have to personally engage.
Friend, shame is a real show stopper. That is one of the Satan's tactics. Shame keeps us in the past. We are dwelling on ourselves (self absorption versus God). In the past (and not our future and inheritance). And the old us (not who we are today, a righteous child of God who has been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ).
So friend do yourself a favor. Pay attention to those feelings and red flags. It was for FREEDOM that God sent his son. Protect that freedom and live in that freedom.
Jesus Christ paid a great price, his own life to take all of our shame and guilt.
While we are all on this journey of becoming more like Christ, a good indicator something is not from God is when old feelings of shame or victim mentality (anything of the old nature) tempts to creep back into our thoughts. We should be alert and take that as a signal that there may be an area in our heart, belief and thinking that needs to be tended too. It needs to be surrendered and released to Jesus, then replaced with his word and truth. Particularly for those who have done the hard heart work and have been walking in freedom but then unexpectedly something trips you up. You begin to entertain feelings of shame or feeling "less than" (not worthy) after a particular conversation or interaction with someone. if that is you, please be cautious.
We're all a work in progress and we're all working and walking our healing and sanctification out. And sometimes we fumble, stumble, step on toes, it can be hairy and messy and we goof up. So I am not saying that person is evil nor am I advocating we cut people off (cancel culture) or place judgement on them. Most definitely graciously give them the benefit of the doubt, but in guarding your heart, please pray and seek the Holy Spirits wisdom and discernment on the matter. Then if the situation permits, do the brave and uncomfortable but necessary work of going back to the person and communicate with them. Seek clarification with the person, pursue truth, understanding and unity. Depending on the outcome, if they are a fellow believer and you "agree to disagree" or do not see eye to eye, then bless them and love them with the love of Jesus. And if necessary, it's more than okay to move on.
For those who have trusted in Jesus, we are one family through the blood of Jesus. But we are also all at different places in our faith journey. So do what you can to keep the unity but unity does not mean we have to give them a place in our heart or a voice in our ear. Unity seeks to honor the other person as a fellow image bearer of God, a child of God, our brother and sister in Christ. In our Father's house, there are many rooms. We can co-exist and there can be mutual love and respect because of Jesus. But we don't have to personally engage.
Friend, shame is a real show stopper. That is one of the Satan's tactics. Shame keeps us in the past. We are dwelling on ourselves (self absorption versus God). In the past (and not our future and inheritance). And the old us (not who we are today, a righteous child of God who has been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ).
So friend do yourself a favor. Pay attention to those feelings and red flags. It was for FREEDOM that God sent his son. Protect that freedom and live in that freedom.
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