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Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I don't go away, the Counselor won't come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. When he has come, he will convict the world about sin, about righteousness, and about judgment; John 16:8 WEB.

When I first started attending church, I often stood with my head down, too ashamed to look around me. Every fiber of my being told me to run out the door. I spent a lot of time looking at the floor in those days, and I avoided making eye contact. I felt ashamed to be there because of my past.

Oh yes, I'd been saved and baptized. Yet, I was saddled with baggage and ridden by the enemy like a packhorse, a beast of burden. I carried shame from the past, a heavy load.

Jesus came to convict the world of sin, but I often see people walking around bound by shame because of something they did twenty years ago. Though they have repented of it seventy-seven times, they still feel like God is mad at them over it. I've been there.

Let me tell you this: God doesn't look at you like that. When you repent of something, it is gone forever, and it never comes back. If you asked God about it again, He wouldn't know what you are talking about because He has put your sin as far as the East is from the West (Psalms 103:12). When God forgives you, He actually means it.

To Convict means: to expose, lay bare, to detect, to reveal your mistake to you. The feeling of conviction urges you to make something right, and when you repent, it is gone.

To shame means: to humiliate, dishonor, and disgrace. Fear and shame are tools of the enemy. They are like bullies, and they will not leave without a fight. Yet, when you decide to face them, they will flee.

Conviction is good and says: "What you did was wrong. Apologize and don't do it again." It will shape you into a better person.

Shame is evil and says: "You are what is wrong. You're no good, and you will never be any good. Look at what you did. Why don't you just quit." The purpose is to get you to give up trying and to drown you in defeat. Shame will spiritually paralyze you and make you ineffective.

When you stumble, repent, and tell the Lord you are sorry about it. Then lift up your head up and stand tall. Know that you are forgiven and washed as white as snow. As far as hanging your head down in shame, stop it! Never give into that trap. How can you ever lead others to Jesus when you look so miserable yourself? The joy of the Lord is our strength. The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Shame will only keep you back from what God has in store for you. So let it go and never fall into its trap.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for forgiving me. Please set me free from the chains of shame that try and cling to me. Lead me into all that You have for me to do here, and let Your light shine in my life. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.” James 5:13 ~ If you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network. If you are interested in joining the prayer team, here is how to get started Prayer Partners.