Feeling Condenmation and Shame? You Have Two Invitations!

So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.

Ephesians 1:6-8 NLT

Have you ever fallen into a pit of condemnation and shame as the enemy reminds you of some of the worst things you’ve ever done in your life? Your mind knows Jesus has already forgiven you for those things, but your heart still feels guilty. The enemy reminds all of us at some point in our lives of the most shameful and disgusting things we’ve done. He wants us to fall into a pit of despair. But in reality, when we are reminded of some of the most shameful things we’ve done, we are actually receiving two invitations. One invitation is from the devil who does want us to fall into shame and condemnation. The second invitation is from the Lord, who when we are reminded of the worst, most disgusting things we’ve ever done, invites us to come to Him. He was with us when we did those disgusting things. He saw us. His heart was breaking for us. It wasn’t breaking because He was angry. It wasn’t breaking because He was disgusted. It was breaking because He wanted so much more for us. He wanted to set us free. His heart was breaking because He loves us.

When you feel that shame and condemnation, accept the Lord’s invitation and go to Him. Openly confess your sins. Yes, we’ve done it. We did – or wanted to do – those disgusting things. Open your heart to Jesus. He will lift your most disgusting actions off of you, and absorb them into the wounds that He suffered for your sins. He will forgive you. He will cleanse you. He will restore you. He will transform you. He will make you more and more like Him as you continue to keep your heart open to Him. Accept the Lord’s invitation for love and reject the enemy’s invitation for condemnation. Let Jesus set you free.