Most of us don’t want to be associated with someone we considered an “outcast” or someone who lives differently from what we consider normal. In fact, you might feel ashamed to be known as someone close to them.
If you happen to be that person who has done something wrong, living in shame and unable to bear the humiliation, thinking there’s no point in carrying on, I want you to know that God is the God of imperfect people like you!
The Bible gives us ample examples of people God mightily. And if you think these people were perfect and walked in holiness, you’re wrong.
Take King David, for example. He had a questionable character – he was not only a womanizer and an adulterer but also a murderer. Yet, God said David “a man after His own heart.” Look at Jacob, he was a cheater, yet the Israelites are his descendants. And Moses? He, too, was a murderer and a fugitive, but God chose him to lead His people out of Egypt. What about Abraham? He lied, yet God called him His friend.
You see, God was never ashamed to be called their God!
Some of these people went beyond what we might consider acceptable human behavior. Yet, why was God interested in them? Why did He use them so powerfully that their names became eternally linked with Him?
The simple answer is Repentance and full submission to God.
These individuals, upon realizing their mistakes, truly repented, sought God’s face, and submitted to His will.
No matter what flaws or mistakes you’ve made, God is always willing to forgive and offer eternal life. Redemption and forgiveness of sins are available through Christ Jesus.
As 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
If you feel condemned, burdened by your mistakes, or struggling with sins, remember that forgiveness and redemption are within reach through Jesus Christ.
If you’re wondering why only Jesus offers the way to salvation, let me explain briefly:
Romans 3:23 states, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” (NLT).
When Adam and Eve, the first humans, sinned, they broke the covenant with God. To atone for their sin, God clothed them with skins – blood was shed as a covering. Genesis 3:21 says, Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them. (KJV).
In the Old Testament time, atonement offerings for sins required the shedding of blood – life for a life.
Imagine having to make atonement every time we sinned – it would be impossible! Thankfully, God knew this. In His great mercy and love, He sacrificed His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, so hat whoever believes in Him will be forgiven and have eternal life.
Even if you sin, all you need to do is repent and seek His forgiveness and you will be forgiven. This doesn’t mean you are free to sin repeatedly and then ask for forgiveness each time. While God will forgive you if you truly repent, genuine repentance means you won’t deliberately commit the same sin again.
1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”
This means we have no excuse to sin. God will not let us face more than we can handle, and He provides a way out if we turn to Him.
When you invite God into your struggles, He will give you the strength to overcome them. Even if you fail, if you go to Him with a repentant heart, He will forgive you and welcome you back.
Remember, it’s never too late for God to redeem you. His love is unconditional. Nothing you do can make God love you more or less – that’s how much He loves you!
So, if you feel condemned, humiliated, or downtrodden, call upon the name of Jesus with boldness and reclaim your righteousness. Never live in condemnation because God does not condemn you.
Through Jesus Christ, we have the right to call God “Abba, Father”. Yes, you can call Him ‘Father’. No matter what you’ve done or who you are – whether you’re a drug addict, a murderer, a prostitute, a liar, a cheater, or an adulterer – God is never ashamed of you. It really doesn’t matter! He has inscribed your name in the palms of His hands. (Isaiah 49:16).
Isn’t it amazing?