Living Free In Christ

While listening to our church sermon last Sunday, I pondered on the effects of guilt and shame. We were looking at the prodigal son parable and were considering that if the son had allowed the guilt and shame to blind him to the wisdom of humbly returning home, the story would not have had a great ending. We each need to feel guilt to some degree to repent and turn ourselves around to follow a different path. However, if guilt is held on to for too long, or if shame paralyses us, we can be stuck in misery for a long time.  Can anyone relate to that feeling, and would they like to share their experiences? 

Guilt is a tool that when used correctly, simply informs us that we did something wrong. As people with mood disorders, we can find admitting a mistake to be overwhelming, thinking that it's not safe in our social circles to be wrong. Poor self-esteem is also common among us, and this can feed this fear into full blown anxiety and shame.  We can take our mistake to mean all sorts of things beyond the original act. Shame is a feeling that we are not worthy of love, support, friendship, or worst of all, even being part of God’s family.  Has anyone avoided reading the bible, prayer, or church because they don’t feel like they can measure up to his expectations? 

We can be assured that is not how God sees us. It is true, as Paul points out in Romans 3:23, that we all fall short of the glory of God, but that means we are never at any point worse than any another individual in God’s eyes. The bible also reminds us in John 3:16-17: 

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” 

We can take comfort in the simple truth that God’s love is always bigger than our failings, and that he is committed to being in relationship with us, no matter what we do. As we picture the father running with open arms towards his returning son from that parable, let’s deny shame any power over us. Let’s remember God is safe to admit our sin to, and trust in his forgiveness and guidance for our lives.  May we never allow the thief to steal what is rightfully ours: our relationship with God through the sacrifice of Christ.  

John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” 

Part of having life to the full involves building strong connections to others. Acknowledging guilt and acting on its promptings can lead us into healthier relationships with our fellow man too. Being accountable, empathetic to how our actions affect others, and making amends as we grow, are all keys to building trust and good character, a blessing to others and our own lives. Is there anyone who comes to mind in your own lives that you have sinned against? What do you think would happen if you apologized and tried to make amends? 

As we sing our worship song today, let’s move the truth from our minds to our hearts, of who we are in God. 

Who You Say I Am 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcC1Bp13n_4

Verse 1 

Who am I that the highest King 

Would welcome me 

I was lost but He brought me in 

Oh His love for me, oh His love for me 

Chorus 1 

Who the Son sets free oh is free indeed 

I'm a child of God, yes I am 

Verse 2 

Free at last he has ransomed me 

His grace runs deep 

While I was a slave to sin 

Jesus died for me, yes He died for me 

Chorus 2 

Who the Son sets free oh is free indeed 

I'm a child of God, yes I am 

In my Father's house there's a place for me 

I'm a child of God, yes I am 

Bridge 

I am chosen not forsaken 

I am who You say I am 

You are for me not against me 

I am who You say I am (x2)