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We have heard is said a thousand times: “Jesus died for your sins”. Yes, it’s true. Jesus of Nazareth willing gave His life so that you might have a way back to God; a way to salvation; a way to know the fullness of forgiveness, freedom, and peace. So why do so few people accept or experience this kind of thing in their own lives?

People are suspicious or outright reject this possibility. Many “Christians” who accept this premise continue to live in guilt and fear. Why? Is that the life Jesus so horrendously gave His life for? I don’t think so. I have another theory.

Shame is a powerful force. For many like me, embarrassment ranks higher than just about anything else on the list of things I want to avoid. For many, we would rather risk death and damnation than willingly walk into exposure to shame. Sure, we (hopefully) have pastors and church friends that assure us we will not be judged or publicly humiliated, but our actions often show that we don’t really believe that. Think of how many addicts will not share their struggle even though they know it would be the first step to getting free. Think of all the things you know God would not approve of, and we try to hide from others. If nothing else, we cannot face the condemnation we would level at ourselves if we were to admit the problem exists.

In the Church, it can be even harder to confess and be healed. After all, we are supposed to know better. Maybe we were “raised better than this” or have helped others overcome similar problems. How would it look if it suddenly became known that we suffer the same problem? Won’t others think poorly of us? Won’t they think poorly of Jesus? Yes, shame is a powerful deterrent to getting help. And that is exactly the way the devil wants it. He is, after all, the Accuser; the one who wants to tear us down for our sins and leave us crippled in guilt and shame.

Now think about this, when Jesus was arrested, He had committed no crime, either religious or secular. He had lived a sinless life where He gave food to the hungry, healed the sick, faced threats and mobs, and yet never slandered the name of anyone. He was mocked in custody, stripped, beaten to the point of being unrecognizable, and given the worst possible death. His crucifixion was public. Everyone in town knew it was happening, and many watched. Then He was hung just outside the city so all who came and went would see what happens to those the Roman Empire didn’t like. Even fellow “criminals” mocked Him. And He was innocent. He didn’t even lash out at those who crucified Him.

So, Jesus died to free you from your sins. Let me ask you this; knowing all you know about how He died, do you think it is possible He died to free you from your shame too?

“There is therefore now no condemnations for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Rom. 8:1)

My friend, please do not put on the shackles Jesus died to take off.

Pastor Evan Elwell

Pomeroy Church of the Nazarene