What does it mean to let go of shame? In simple terms, we let go of those things we wish we hadn’t done in the past, or that someone else hadn’t done to us. Past hurts can result in shame feelings that last for years and years and keep us from reaching our full potential. But that needn’t be the case.
Poor decisions, or secrets unspoken, can cause feelings of regret to plague our minds. Regret, if left unaddressed, can lead to shame and interfere with our current relationships. Holding onto venomous thoughts because of a wrong done to you serves no good purpose. In fact, it will implode on the one who can’t let the wrong go.
There are two ways to deal with shame. One takes us to healing and the other to self-medicating.
The best way to let go of shame
The best way to let go of shame is to recognize who you are in light of who God says you are. Until you know His concept of your worth, you will continue to feel less than the person He has designed you to be. Now you are ready to address the lies that you have accepted as truth. The Devil has been playing with your mind and it’s time to tell him to STOP!
It’s time to accept God’s grace and promises. He created you, loves you, and forgives every wrong. His grace is new every morning.
Romans 6:14 NIV For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.
2 Corinthians 12:9a NIV “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Forgiveness is a big part of letting go of shame
Forgiveness is a big part of letting go of shame. God forgives everyone who comes to Him, confesses sins, and ask for forgiveness. In turn, He wants us to pass mercy’s forgiveness along to others and to apply it to ourselves, too. But, we are not to wait for a confession from our offenders, or for our circumstances to change. The course of action is to simply to FORGIVE them, forgive self, and set ourselves free of the power holding us hostage. As long as we think of that wrong, the offender has power over us. Let it go. Be freed.
Ephesians 1:7 NIV In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.
Matthew 6:15 NIV But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
The downside of not letting go of shame
There’s a downside to not letting go of shame; and the price can be pretty high. Once reoccurring shame thoughts convince us that we really have messed up beyond our ability to be forgiven, we are treading in dangerous territory. This becomes fertile soil for addictions to set down roots. Addictions wreak havoc on our closest relationships. Some of those addictive behaviors might be anger, substance abuse, over eating, workaholic, and negativity.
Harmful behaviors can enter the minds of those who don’t release shame. Depression and suicidal thoughts, hurting others, risky behaviors … the list could go on.
Let it go
The best thing any of us can do is to let shame go. God is right there to give you the strength to do what He asks you to do. If you are ready for peace to flood your soul, now might be the right time to pray for God’s truth to become your truth, too. Will you allow the waves of His cleansing grace to wash away your shame?
