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.

And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” – John 8:11 NKJV

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So often, those in the church who are struggling with sexual sin are afraid to go to the church for help. Just like the woman caught in adultery in John 8:1-11, they’re afraid the church leaders will drag them to Jesus and ask Him to stone them. Jesus is different. Instead of condemnation, as we reach out to Him, we experience His love. He offers redemption, cleanses hearts, and empowers us to “go and sin no more”.

Much like the woman at the well in John 4:4-42, transformed lives don’t stop with the one who was directly impacted by Jesus. Historically, it is believed that she came to the well alone during the heat of the day to avoid the rejection and scorn of the other women in the village. They knew her dirty little secrets. Instead of contempt, Jesus looked beyond her sin. He spoke directly to the needs of her heart. When He told her to go and get her husband, she tried to change the subject to something more spiritual. He offered her living water; the only thing that could truly fill the void in her heart. She accepted His offer and her life was transformed forever. The healing didn’t stop there. She went on to evangelize the entire village and introduced them to the Messiah. The impact of a changed life goes far beyond the one who is changed and empowered to “comfort with the comfort that we’ve been comforted with” [2 Corinthians 1:4].

You can walk with brothers and sisters in need. You can help them get past the crowds and obstacles and find healing at the feet of Jesus. You help lower them through the roof to the feet of Jesus [Mark 2:1-12]. You matter. If you’ve already received healing, we at Reconciliation Ministries encourage you to share the healing you’ve already received from Jesus with whomever He puts in your path. If you need healing, reach out to us at 586.739.5114 and ask how we can walk with you to Jesus. If you’re not in our area, we can help you find trustworthy Christians who can help wherever you live. In Christ there is hope. In Christ, you can have a future free of sexual sin. In Christ, you can have an eternal impact.

Jesus Won't Reject You

He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. He will bring justice to all who have been wronged.

Isaiah 42:3 NLT

If you're feeling hopeless and too messed up to come to God, take comfort in that verse from Isaiah. Jesus will accept anyone who comes to Him for help. No matter how messed up you feel. No matter how badly you’ve sinned. Go to Him. He won’t look at you in disgust. He won’t turn away. He won’t snuff out the last smoldering flames in your heart. He offers forgiveness. Jesus can take you out of your emotional pit and give you peace. He can free you from addictive sexual sin. He can heal the wounds of sexual abuse. He will help you if you ask. Jesus may not calm every storm in your life, but He will carry you through the storms. He promises that He will NEVER leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).

Learning to walk in the peace and freedom that Jesus offers takes time. It is a process with many ups and downs. Maybe you’ve done good for a while, only to fall again. You might be tempted to give up. Don’t! Come back to the cross. Reach out for help. If you confess your sin, He will forgive you and cleanse your heart (1 John 1:9). Stick with Jesus, and He will complete the work He started in you (Philippians 1:6).

Reconciliation Ministries and the many compassionate men and women on the support team are here to help you. We offer low cost licensed professional counseling, mental health coaching, and prayer ministry. We offer the Living Waters support group to help you overcome sexual and relational brokenness. We’re excited to announce the return of our Mending the Soul group to help you overcome the devastating effects of sexual abuse. There’s so much more. We are here to walk with you. Call us at 586.739.5114.

If you’ve already experienced the healing power of Jesus Christ, you have an important calling. Share your story. Show the love of God to someone who is afraid to hope. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you comfort others with the comfort that you have received (2 Corinthians 1:4). You can help bridge the gap between the church and the sexually broken.