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- Apr 25, 2006
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Rising above guilt and shame (1)
'THERE IS...NO CONDEMNATION TO THOSE WHO ARE IN CHRIST.' ROMANS 8:1
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. J
ames 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!
written by Bob Gass
'THERE IS...NO CONDEMNATION TO THOSE WHO ARE IN CHRIST.' ROMANS 8:1
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. J
ames 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!
written by Bob Gass
