John H. Chapman

Disempowering Shame.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

Hebrews 12:1-3 (ESV)

From the verses above, we can find hope that sustainable change is attainable through perseverance and consistency. We hope that you will allow us to walk beside you as you begin this journey, knowing that so often the key to finishing well is starting well. We will walk with you as long as you walk with us on your journey.

One of the largest obstacles in overcoming your struggle is your willingness to admit the need for change and accepting help. Admitting that we need help and asking others to be a part of the process often brings on a feeling of shame.

This shame can come from being told:

• True believers wouldn’t suffer from such things and even if they did they would be able to overcome them on our own.
• Your sin is unforgivable or too extreme to be helped.

We have been told that we are something other than what we have been told we are meant to be in Christ.

Hebrews gives us a completely different understanding of what it is to overcome a struggle in Christ. From the beginning the writer tells that it is easy to become “ensnared” by sin. Part of being ensnared is the shame that comes along with it, telling you to keep your struggle a secret. By keeping this sin a secret, we are empowering that shame to control us.

Shame tells us that we can never allow others to know us in our sin or suffering because they would never understand, or worse yet, might judge us. We begin to build our entire basis of security around not allowing this secret out or letting ourselves be known on a deep level. However, in this scripture we see that Christ was crucified on the cross –bearing our sin–hating the shame that had been brought upon him that he did not deserve so that we could be put into right standing with God by believing upon Him.

Because we know that sin hopes to keep us ensnared by the use of shame to keep our sin a secret we should find the confidence and freedom to step out and seek help to prevent shame from controlling us.

At G4, we understand the obstacles before you. Believe us when we say that you are not alone in your experience. The best way to disempower shame is to come back to G4 next Monday night. Seek to be known. Allow yourself to be loved.

Shame Post (1 of 3)

Shame Post (3 of 3)