Wisdom Nuggets 1Sample

## Shattering Shame Many people live year after year, handicapped by the sins and hurts of their past. It affects their behavior and destroys their relationships. They have decided never to tell, but their silence breeds two enormous giants that must be faced: shame and anger. Shame entered the world at the very beginning when Adam and Eve realized they were naked. Sin brought shame to their physical form. They covered themselves with fig leaves, not the most comfortable attire, and hid from their Father. Did you ever hide from a parent after doing something wrong because you were ashamed? How did your parent respond? God is the perfect Father. He responds to our sins with perfect love when we repent. He never overreacts. Let go of the guilt and shame from sin. You are forgiven! Many of us were hurt as children and betrayed by trusted authority figures. Children are innocent and vulnerable to physical, sexual, and verbal abuse. Yet these children grow up blaming themselves and are captured by shame. This shame breeds anger, and all anger is unresolved hurt. Break out of the sin, shame, and secrets of the past. Forgive those who hurt you, and forgive yourself. Think about it: Can you think of any events in your life that bring a sick feeling to your gut? What causes you to feel shame and embarrassment? Do you think of God as a disappointed parent ready to make you feel bad for messing up? Were you abused or neglected as a child and still think it's your fault? Pray about it: Dear God, help me to see the truth of my forgiveness. Help me forgive those who hurt me and help me let go of shame from those past hurts. Thank you for your unfailing love and forgiveness in Jesus' name; I pray, Amen. Do something about it: What are you ashamed of? Is it something you did or something someone did to you? Take some time to write down the things that cause you to feel shame. Next to each issue, right out of scripture that testifies to the truth of who you are in Christ. Here are a few examples. John 1:12; Ephesians 1:7; Roman 6:6; 1 Peter 2:9; Galatians 2:20 Pray and let God give you peace and forgiveness and take away the feelings of shame.