March 10 – No Shame
Genesis 2:17
For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16)
We’ve all been in situations when we had a clear opportunity to share the Gospel but didn’t. It’s easy to think of excuses not to. There’s not enough time. They are too upset. I’m not smart enough. They could get offended. And so on. In truth, we’re afraid to be embarrassed.
In certain situations, people opposed to the Christian faith may even try to shame you for what you believe. There’s a distinction to be made between embarrassment and shame; embarrassment is the feeling you get when you make a mistake, and shame is the feeling you get when you think you are the mistake.
You are a Christian. The world hates you. (Mark 13:13) The world despises the ones who are set apart – who are holy. It will not abide the ones who live in “the power of God for salvation.” The world would much rather have you fall in line. Keep in step. The world loves to shame those who don’t toe the line.
Christ knows shame. Any shame we feel pales by comparison. Our King endured spitting, mocking, beatings, and finally being nailed naked and bleeding to a cross for all to see. This is the shame we deserve to feel for our sin, but Christ endured it on our behalf. Now, when we experience embarrassment or shame for believing in this perfect sacrifice, we can rejoice. When you experience shame for the Gospel, you are in fellowship with Christ Who took that shame to the cross and left it there.
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, I believe in Your Gospel.
Forgive me for feeling embarrassed or ashamed by it
and grant me the courage to share it with everyone. Amen.
