Title: Book Summary – Feeling Ashamed – Part 2

Big idea: Finding Freedom: Overcoming Shame Through Jesus

In her book, the author explores the common struggle with shame and how Jesus offers hope for liberation. She emphasizes that Jesus removes the guilt of sin and rejects shame, offering a path to freedom (Romans 8:1).
• “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”

Identifying the Sources of Shame:

The author points out two main sources of shame: our own wrongdoings and the wrongs done by others. She explains how Jesus’ teachings counter guilt and shame, emphasizing grace and faith (Romans 3:22 ESV).
• “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.”

Embracing God’s Love and Forgiveness:

Throughout the book, the author emphasizes God’s love, as shown in John 3:16-17 ESV:
• “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

She explains how Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross offers forgiveness and righteousness to all who believe (Romans 5:8 ESV; John 1:12 ESV).
• “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us”
• “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God”

Receiving Christ’s Forgiveness:

The author highlights the importance of humility and confession in receiving forgiveness from Jesus. She cites Romans 10:9-11 ESV, stressing the need to confess and believe in Jesus for salvation:
• “Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, ‘Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.'”

Understanding the Continuing Battle:

Even after accepting Jesus, the author acknowledges the ongoing struggle with shame. She encourages continual growth and reliance on Jesus’ power (Romans 6:14 ESV; James 4:10 ESV).
• “For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace”
• “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”

Responding Biblically:

To overcome shame, the author suggests aligning with Scripture and accepting God’s forgiveness (1 John 1:9 ESV).
• If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
By focusing on Jesus’ righteousness, individuals can find freedom from shame (Colossians 2:13-14 ESV).
• “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.”

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the author emphasizes the transformative power of Jesus’ love and forgiveness. As individuals deepen their faith, they can overcome shame and walk confidently in the freedom offered by Jesus.

My Encouragement to you…
Find a friend, a pastor or Christian counsellor, someone to help you on your journey.
Some journeys of recovery are longer than others. 
But start with Gods wisdom and allow him to led you, and that includes leading you to a Godly person so you are not alone.

If you are interested in purchasing this book, it can be found here: 

HELP! I Feel Ashamed (LifeLine Mini-book) (Life-Line Mini-Books) : Sue Nicewander, Paul Tautges: Amazon.com.au: Books

 

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