Shame can be crippling. If you feel a sense of needing to hide and be dishonest, you are wrestling with shame.
Most of my life I have struggled with deep insecurity. With that insecurity came shame. Shame makes you feel like you’re always in trouble, separated from the truth and, ultimately, just lonely.
When I read Romans 1:16 for the first time, I thought it was so admirable that Paul could be so unashamed of the Gospel. But, I had no idea how I could walk in that same confidence when I was consistently battling shame over who I was and things I’d done. How could I be unashamed of the Gospel if I wasn’t even comfortable in my own skin? Did I really believe the power of the Gospel could set me free of fear and shame? Thankfully, Jesus is alive and moves beyond our deepest weaknesses and fears.
So, what happens when we overcome shame, insecurity, and fear?
When we allow Jesus to remove these things from our lives, we walk in a revelation of God’s profound LOVE for us. When we truly understand how much He loves us, we can’t help but be unashamed. When you are convinced you have been rescued and you experience the true freedom of Jesus Christ, it’s a natural response to be unashamed of the one who loves you enough to set you free!
Paul says in Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” Paul knew the saving power of Jesus. He was aware of his deep need for God and how he was rescued through Jesus!
For so much of my life, fear gripped me. When I experienced forgiveness and salvation from Jesus, I remember thinking how easy it was to be unashamed of the One I loved! Because here is some good news …the Gospel of Jesus is liberation and with that comes the power of God through salvation. The truth sets us free!
To fully walk out Romans 1:16, we must be convinced and secure in the love of God. Perfect love casts out fear; and it’s the only thing that can truly destroy our fear.
Jesus says in Matthew 10:27, “What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.”
Right after this scripture, Jesus tells His disciples to not be afraid. What does this mean for us today? It means Jesus has equipped us to not only be saved, but to also walk fearlessly and shine bright with a light that changes the world.
Watch the live recording of Lindy and The Circuit Riders’ song, “Not Ashamed”:
How are you going to walk fearless and shine bright today? Share with us below.