Shame
Let It Go • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Let IT Go: Shame
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Shame
Shame: a painful emotion caused by consciousness of guilt, shortcoming, or impropriety
Jill Price: The women that can’t forget.
Not being able to ever forget every mistake you have ever done. We can forget some mistakes but others we still hold on to.
Common Sources of Shame: (Score Card?)
1. Mistakes in Relationships: Actions or words that hurt loved ones.
2. Neglecting Relationships: Not staying in touch with friends or family as much as one would like.
2. Missed Opportunities: Feeling regret over not seizing certain opportunities in life.
3. Past Decisions: Choices that led to negative outcomes.
4. Work/School Performance: Not meeting personal or external expectations.
5. Financial Mistakes: Poor financial decisions affecting themselves or others.
6. Health Neglect: Not taking care of one's physical or mental health.
7. Parenting Choices: Decisions that parents feel may have negatively impacted their children.
8. Survivor’s Guilt: Feeling guilt or shame for surviving a situation others did not.
9. Lying: Even small lies can weigh heavily on the conscience.
10. Neglecting Responsibilities: Failing to meet obligations at work, home.
11. Procrastination: Delaying important tasks and then facing the consequences.
12. Unkind Words or Actions: Saying or doing things that hurt others, whether intentionally or unintentionally.
13. Judging Others: Feeling shame for having negative thoughts or judgments about others.
14. Not Being Present: Being distracted and not fully engaging in important moments.
15. Taking Things for Granted: Feeling guilty for not appreciating what one has.
Hand in jar illustration:
Satan does not want you to Let IT Go.
10 Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
Satan knows if he can keep you in your guilt and your shame you will be less effective in your walk with
Christ, your witness for Christ, and helping others.
Letting it go: Will enable you to fulfill all God has in mind for you and keep you from being paralyzed by the past.
One of the most Godly men at my last church would not accept a position on our church board because of a past sin (when he was in his 20’s / now in his 60’s) he had confessed to God and his spouse. But he could not forgive himself. Satan in trying to hold you back. - Later became one of our elders and helped lead and build an incredible recover ministry.
Dr. Fredrick Perls, who was a humanistic psychologist, used to say that he could heal any psychopathlogy in one hour if he could get his clients let go of guilt and shame.
Have you ever had a pebble in your shoe or sandal? The tiniest of rock can agitate and give discomfort. What do you do when you have this agitation that keeps bugging you? You stop. Sit down and you remove it.
Don’t you think it is time to address the guilt and shame and forgive yourself?
Steps to letting go of shame:
1. Acknowledge the shame: Recognize and accept the feelings without dismissing them.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
2. Understand the root: Reflect on why you feel shame and the impact of your actions.
15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.
3. Apologize and make amends: If possible, apologize to those affected and take steps to make things right.
23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
4. Learn from the experience: Identify lessons learned and how you can avoid similar mistakes in the future.
25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
5. Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend.
32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
6. Seek support: Talk to trusted friends, family members, Pastor, or a therapist about your feelings.
2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
7. Focus on the present: Shift your attention from past mistakes to current actions and future possibilities.
13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,
8. Set realistic expectations: Understand that everyone makes mistakes and that personal growth often comes from overcoming them.
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
We’re either in sin or in Christ, We’re either guilty or forgiven, We’re either sinner or saint - Can’t forget
