THE WORD OF GOD SAYS
STOP TRYING TO BE PERFECT AND BEING WEIGHED DOWN WITH GUILT—WE ARE INCAPABLE OF LIVING GLORIOUS LIVES
But in our time something new has been added. What Moses and the prophets witnessed to all those years has happened. The God-setting-things-right that we read about has become Jesus-setting-things-right for us. And not only for us, but for everyone who believes in him. For there is no difference between us and them in this. Since we’ve compiled this long and sorry record as sinners (both us and them) and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us, God did it for us. Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we’re in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ.
Romans 3:21-24 MSG
I SIMPLY DIDN’T KNOW
But I was treated mercifully because I didn’t know what I was doing—didn’t know Who I was doing it against! Grace mixed with faith and love poured over me and into me. And all because of Jesus.
1 Timothy 1:12-14 The Message (MSG)
SHAME TURNS INTO FAME
Here’s a word you can take to heart and depend on: Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. I’m proof—Public Sinner Number One—of someone who could never have made it apart from sheer mercy. And now he shows me off—evidence of his endless patience—to those who are right on the edge of trusting him forever.
1 Timothy 1:15-19 The Message (MSG)
WICKEDNESS AND SHAME ARE CLOSELY RELATED
When wickedness arrives, shame’s not far behind; contempt for life is contemptible.
Proverbs 18:3 MSG
THE GREAT EXCHANGE
To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaksthat the Lord has planted for his own glory.
Isaiah 61:3 NLT
SIMPLY IGNORE THE TAUNTS
But listen to what God has to say to you who reverently respond to his Word: “Your own families hate you and turn you out because of me. They taunt you, ‘Let us see God’s glory! If God’s so great, why aren’t you happy?’ But they’re the ones who are going to end up shamed.”
Isaiah 66:5 MSG
GOD HAS SEPERATED YOU FROM YOUR SINFUL PAST
He doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve, nor pay us back in full for our wrongs. As high as heaven is over the earth, so strong is his love to those who fear him. And as far as sunrise is from sunset, he has separated us from our sins. As parents feel for their children, God feels for those who fear him.
Psalm 103:6-18 MSG
JESUS IS CONSTANTLY DEFENDING YOU
My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.
1 John 2:1-2 NLT
REMAIN IN FELLOWSHIP WITH JESUS
And now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame.
1 John 2:28 NLT
HE SEES YOU WITHOUT A SINGLE FAULT
Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault.
Jude 1:24 NLT
WHEN YOU LOOK TO GOD, YOU NO LONGER HAVE TO FEEL ASHAMED
My head is high, God, held high; I’m looking to you, God; No hangdog skulking for me.
Psalm 25:1-2 MSG
DISREGARD YOUR SHAME
…let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us, [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work].
Hebrews 12:1-2 AMP
