Shame
ACCEPT GRACE
chapter 18 (Sample chapter)
Our reaction to accusations and lies shows whether we have understood what grace is and how secure we are now in our newly acquired identity in Jesus. We have not only changed our behaviors, but we are no longer victims of our sins. We have received grace. No matter how much the devil tries to use it against you, God has cleansed you and He is ready and willing to pour out His grace on you every day. Grace is the opposite of shame. When we understand and accept what Jesus says about us. Shame can no longer impress us and we let it bounce off us. Just like Paul did with the snake.
"Your grace surrounds them and protects them like a shield."
Psalm 5:13
Often I hear Christians say, "Yes, I believe God has forgiven me, but I can't forgive myself."I pray for you that as you work through this chapter, you will have a whole new revelation of God's grace and know that it fully applies to you as well. For every part of your life and history; no matter how painful it has been. He paid for it all. Wherever we have difficulties in an area accepting a part of God's grace for us, we are lacking revelation of His true character for that specific situation. When we personally know and feel that He loves us unconditionally, even in the area where we currently feel lack, then we can accept His undeserved grace.
There is a huge difference between believing that we are sinners and understanding that when we have accepted Jesus in our lives, we are no longer sinners but daughters of God.
Even though we can still sin,
it is no longer our identity
Even though we can still sin, it is no longer our identity. Sinning again does not make us a sinner all over, but is an invitation to bring our transgression before our loving Papa. Instead of running from Him because we think our identity is not good enough, we now know that merely our behavior was not okay. The struggle for shame is ultimately a struggle for identity. When you know who you are in Jesus, shame can no longer impress you.
[In the course you have the possibility to answer these questions]
Question #2:
What are the areas of shame in your life where the devil always has the opportunity to steal from your freedom?
Question #3:
Take time to openly lay these areas before God and ask Him to reveal His grace to you today for these very things. If you find it difficult, ask Him to show you where you need a new revelation of His character in that area.
Question #4:
If you wish, use the prayer written here to once and for all break the bond of shame within your life. Jesus invites you to leave shame completely behind and put on His dignity.
"Jesus, my Savior,
I come to you today and I feel total shame in all these areas (list on). I feel ashamed and unworthy. Nevertheless, thank you for speaking to me in worthy manner. It is not because of my accomplishments but because of your grace. I accept your cross all over again in all these areas especially (list areas and situations) and I pronounce myself free of all shame that is in my life. Shame, you no longer have control in my life. I consciously choose that Jesus' cross was enough to carry shame and all impurity out of my life. He paid for me to live completely without shame and in freedom and today I once again accept that for myself. Amen."
Question #5:
Do you understand that you are no longer a sinner? Also, what does this change for you in relation to your addiction?