Have you ever felt ashamed?
If you have, how would you describe it? Perhaps it felt like humiliation after an embarrassing situation or guilt when something went wrong. Yet shame is more than a feeling, it's connected to what we truly believe about who we are and the value we have.
Shame will tell us the mistakes we've made are too great, the people we've hurt are too many, or the sin we struggle with too great a barrier, leading us to believe we are unworthy of love, of belonging. Yet, by the grace of God, there is truth to believe and it's found in Christ.
Just as Christ scorned the shame of the cross in victorious resurrection, the gospel reminds us there is no shame found before him.
In, He Is Not Ashamed: The Staggering Love of Christ For His People by Eric Raymond he takes us through the Jesus' family portrait to remind us that Jesus is not ashamed of our past, our weakness, our struggles with sin nor our lack of social status. He redeemed his creation who opposed him, were far from him and who had nothing to offer.
God's great love and purpose brought Christ to tread the dust of earth in order to bring salvation and redemption for those who will repent and believe. Understanding the gracious love of Christ for us gives us confidence in who we are - not according to a measure of society, our past or our struggles, but according to his love and mercy.
If you've struggled with your identity in Christ, insecure in your identity, this is an encouraging read to draw you into true love because of what he has done for us.
Quick Stats
# of pages:176
Level of Difficulty: Easy
My Rating: 4 stars
*A big thanks to Crossway for the complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to post an honest review.