Shame and regret are twin toxic enemies. Our soul and spirit will not flourish believing their insidious lies. They have been two of my nemesis. Their 'damning' tentacles reach deep into the core of our being. Their dark message: you will never measure up, be enough, do enough, or get it right.
Ultimately, shame and regret are after our identity. 'Should' and 'Could' are their taunting minions. 'I should do this', 'I shouldn't do that'; if only 'I’'could' or 'couldn't'. The antidote to shame and regrets poison is the absolute truth of GRACE. What/who is behind grace? The lover of our soul-Jesus! Shame and regret are silenced in his presence.
Know him and his "MESSAGE of GRACE" and you will have the only weapons proven to defeat shame and regret. The Message of Grace tells our heart that 'should' and 'could' aren't the issue. Our hope is not in our performance. It must be anchored in Christ-period!
"Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him (my shame, failure and regrets) for that day.
What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit (the Message of Grace) that was entrusted to you--guard it with the help of Holy Spirit who lives in us." 2 Timothy 1:12b-13, NIV, parentheses mine.
"But I have no regrets. I couldn't be surer of my ground--the One I've trusted in can take care of what he's trusted me to do (believe the Gospel for myself and share it with others) right to the end." 2 Timothy 1:12b, The Message, parenthesis mine.
So, today (and every day) stop 'shoulding' on yourself or others! Believe the Message and the Messenger and silence shame and regret. Be free to stand guard against their lies with what has been entrusted to you-the message of Grace! Be nurtured by 'NO SHAME-NO REGRETS'.
In the grip of Papa's non-shaming grace! Ron Ross
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