Shame No More

Experience tells us – I don’t have to tell you – shame and joy can’t live in the same heart. Where shame exists, joy cannot enter. Shame is like a wet blanket to a cozy fire. When shame settles in like a cold misty fog, the joy of life ebbs away and is lost forever. Shame will keep a person from dealing with their addictions even though they know it is destroying them and their families. Shame will keep one from enrolling in an educational institution, even though this is the correct path for success. Shame will quash desire to enter a gym, but reach for another donut instead.

Shame and guilt are twins, always the masters and never the servant. They work as one. We are embarrassed and so we do one of two things; we hide, or we over compensate.

Over compensation looks and feels like pride. Where shame exists, life will not be filled with joy. There is no room for joy - too much pressure to hide or over compensate. We can’t be ourselves, because we are ashamed of ourselves. We can’t be honest, because we are scared that people will not accept us, creating further shame. Then we start blaming others for our shame, and demand to be accepted. We blame our identity and seek gender change. We blame our heritage and reject our culture in hope of ridding ourselves of shame. We blame morality and live without restraints, yet shame continues to build and joy is no where to be found.

I have good news. Joy can be restored. Shame can be evicted. This is the message of the Christmas season. As we sing the refrain “Joy to the world,” know that it can be a personal reality for you. It is because a saviour (one who can take away my shame) has been born. Christmas heralds the message, just like the angels did for the shepherds long ago, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)

It may seem too fantastical. But it is true. The promise is clear, “So now there is no condemnation (judgement, shame, guilt,) for those who belong to Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1)

He took our shame and replaced it with Joy. For this reason he has come. Jesus said, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:11) 

Would you like joy that is full and complete? It is possible. Why not give yourself to Jesus this Holy season of Christmas and let him take away all your shame. It is why he came, so we could be free of shame and filled with his joy. If this is something you are considering, but not sure how, contact me. I would love to connect with you at pastorjim@kcfoffice.com.

This Sunday, I will be speaking on this subject in Calgary. The message will be lived streamed and can be found online at Calgary Community Church. https://www.calgarycommunitychurch.com/live-stream

Here at KCF Brad will be sharing on the second Sunday of Advent on love, namely the Bread of Life.