But what if we truly embrace the reality that God "has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west." (Psalms 103:12) To comprehend what Christ did for us on the cross and walk in that forgiveness is the only thing that will set us free from our guilt and shame. I think that so often we understand that Jesus paid the sacrifice for our sins and we no longer have to carry the burden of guilt. But what about the shame? In my life, knowing that I'm set free from guilt doesn't always mean I don't still battle feelings of shame. Even those who have been victims of someone else's sin might have difficulty overcoming a sense of shame. I believe it's a ploy of the enemy that we continue to be ashamed of our past. If we truly believe that Jesus paid the penalty for our sin and shame, we need to walk with confidence in His finished work.
Are you often waylaid by a person, place, or thing that conjures up the memory of your offense? I challenge you to take that thought captive (2 Cor. 10:5) and replace it with scripture. Perhaps Psalm 103:12 mentioned earlier or Romans 8:1 - "There is now NO condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." I pray that God will reveal a powerful verse to you that will be the constant reminder you need to claim victory over your feelings of shame.
"And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." Romans 5:5
