Removing the Shame
The culture in America does not emphasize shame like many cultures in the world. We think about right and wrong. When we share the gospel, we emphasize sin and that Jesus died to pay for our sins. That is correct. However, He died to take away our shame, also.(Psalm 83:16)
The cultures that are focused on shame do not try to figure out if their actions were right or wrong. They know that their actions brought shame to themselves and to their families, and that is what hurts them. They could have been trying to do the right thing. They may have acted in good faith, but the results of their actions were not good, so they feel shame. In Japan this shame can even lead to suicide.
God created the feeling of shame, and He wants us to be drawn to Him by our shame. We need to learn to share the gospel from this point of view. We can still talk about sin, but the main focus is how Jesus takes away our shame. He died, so we could have life, have a relationship with Him. Then, He can guide us and bless us. We can live in His will when we know Him, and He can cause all things to work together for good, instead of having lasting shame.
Maybe, you are living under a huge burden of shame because of something that happened in your life. Take your shame to the Lord and let Him take it away. He will. Then, you can be truly free in Christ to live as He designed. Remember, Jesus died for your sins and your shame. He can take them both away when you repent and trust Him as Lord.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 84-86.
The cultures that are focused on shame do not try to figure out if their actions were right or wrong. They know that their actions brought shame to themselves and to their families, and that is what hurts them. They could have been trying to do the right thing. They may have acted in good faith, but the results of their actions were not good, so they feel shame. In Japan this shame can even lead to suicide.
God created the feeling of shame, and He wants us to be drawn to Him by our shame. We need to learn to share the gospel from this point of view. We can still talk about sin, but the main focus is how Jesus takes away our shame. He died, so we could have life, have a relationship with Him. Then, He can guide us and bless us. We can live in His will when we know Him, and He can cause all things to work together for good, instead of having lasting shame.
Maybe, you are living under a huge burden of shame because of something that happened in your life. Take your shame to the Lord and let Him take it away. He will. Then, you can be truly free in Christ to live as He designed. Remember, Jesus died for your sins and your shame. He can take them both away when you repent and trust Him as Lord.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 84-86.