Identity 03: Eternally Loved
Orientate
Shame is a terrible thing. One of the dangers of our new life in Jesus is that we can easily feel shame because we’re not good enough for God and don’t deserve his grace. We try hard, but we fail. Shame. We cave in to temptation again. Shame. We don’t tell people about Jesus. Shame. We don’t speak to God for a day. Shame. And so it goes on. We are susceptible to shame and condemnation that deceive us into thinking that God couldn’t really like us, couldn’t really be pleased with us, couldn’t really be on our side.
If you struggle with any degree of shame or anxiety, you need to let this reading settle deep into your heart.
Explore: Romans 8:31-39
31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Journal
1. What is God saying to me? Which verse is most significant?
2. What do I want to discuss/explore further?
3. What do I need to do?
4. What is God’s response to the shame we feel about our weakness and failure?
Reflect
There are two pictures in this Scripture reading of how God deals with us in our brokenness. The first picture is that of a judge (31-33). This judge listens to all the accusations against us. Some of these accusations come from other people, but most of them come from within ourselves as we experience shame. The trouble for the accusers is that the judge has already made up his mind. He has already pronounced us “Not guilty.” No matter how serious or frequent the allegations, the judge’s response is the same, “Not guilty.” Jesus has already taken our sin and he keeps reminding God of this, so there is just no charge to consider, the case has already been thrown out of court.
The second picture is that of an incredible Brother (35-39). Jesus just keeps on loving us. We go through some very difficult times. Jesus keeps loving us. We are weak and broken. Jesus keeps loving us. We are attacked by dangerous spiritual forces. Jesus keeps loving us. We are worried about the future. Jesus keeps loving us. We feel worthless. Jesus keeps loving us. No matter what happens in our life, Jesus keeps loving us. Nothing, nothing can separate us from the love of our gracious big Brother (and our loving Father). It’s a family thing.
You have to hold on to this, especially when you are dealing with shame or anxiety. As far as God is concerned, nothing can come between you and him. No accusation will be heard against you. Jesus has dealt with them all. No problem or failure will cause God to stop loving you deeply. Jesus just never stops loving his brothers and sisters. Nothing changes this. God is completely for you. God will love you eternally, no matter what you do.
Pray
Your grace is so incredible Jesus. To think that you won’t hear a word against me, even when I feel so much shame. To think that you keep on loving me, even when I don’t really love myself. This is so unthinkable and so good. Please help me to really accept, absorb and celebrate your love. May I not push you away in my brokenness but hold on to you tightly. I thank you that you will love me forever.
Respond
Take some time to be aware of the deep love that Jesus has for you. You really are safe. You can’t slip away from his love. He’s protecting and loving you right now. And will do so forever. Relax and appreciate his precious love.
