Be Free

June 18-19

Be Free

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1

Shame is a heavy burden. Shame is a heavy weight that weighs us down and hinders us from being who God has intended us to be. You’re trying to move on, but you can’t get past the fact you made that mistake. You take one step forward, then two steps back. You try to get past your past, but nothing seems to work. Sometimes shame is raw like an open wound—and with terrifying memories that keeps replaying over and over. But there is hope. There is freedom in the resurrection of Jesus to release the burden of shame in our lives.

Jesus carried our shame to the cross. He was betrayed, beaten, humiliated, and exposed, giving up his life to pay for our sin so that we might be released from the tyranny and shame of sin. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, when we ask God for forgiveness, we are forgiven. God’s love frees us to let go of the ugliness of the past and move forward in confidence, knowing “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). And nothing can separate us from God’s love.

Prayer for today: Dear Lord, the burden of our shame from things we have done, said, or experienced pulls us away from you. Help us live fully in the confidence and freedom of your love. Amen.