If last year taught me anything, it was about the futility of shame and guilt. This is the enemy’s best tactic and instrument to keep one bound in sin and misery.
The worst part is, he loves free labor. So, he sometimes gets us to do it for him. If I can condemn myself and beat myself up, then I just voluntarily employed myself to work in his company and under his miserable payroll, all against myself.
This month especially, I’ve done some things that I am not proud of. The knowledge of my sins is itself God’s magnificent mercy because it is very possible to sin continuously in ignorance. Just take a look at David and Bathsheba’s story (2 Samuel 11-12).
So first, I’m thankful for the consciousness of my sins and the sorrows I feel for them.
But the usual Esther-Love would have sat down and picked up her self-condemnation staff badge and done the devil’s work for him – burying herself in shame and guilt. Thinking about how unlovable I must be to God right now, how extremely angry He is with me, and other sorts of lies.
I would continue to spiral into a depressed state and underperform in my duties and responsibilities. But ultimately God pulls me out of that hole somehow in His love.
But this time! Not anymore!
While I am certainly still not proud of my actions and feel the godly sorrow for my sins, I’m led to repentance instead of shame and guilt this time. I’m led to ask God for his grace to not keep committing that sin.
I am also aware that God’s correction is in love and for my good. His intention is not shame and guilt.
I can rise up and walk in God’s love instead of being buried under condemnation.
Because no healing or work of repentance can truly be done in a place of condemnation, shame, or guilt.
Shame and guilt have never saved or changed anyone and they never will.
Love, on the other hand, covers a multitude of sins & transforms. Thank you, Abba, Father.
Here’s to getting un-addicted to shame and guilt this year.
God bless.
You are Eternally Loved
Esther Love Ademiju.
Growing God's Eternal Family 