Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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The Forgiving Christ
Psalms 25:1-22
Vs 3 No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse.
Shame is a very powerful feeling. It can make you feel inadequate, undesirable, and unworthy. Shame can be a result of our own guilt from sin, or caused by the words and actions of those around us. In both situations, shame does not produce anything positive. It makes us want to hide away. It holds us back from enjoying the life God has given us to the fullest extent. Shame is a tactic the enemy loves to use to keep us from knowing the freedom we have in Christ. Shame prevents us from accepting God’s unconditional love and forgiveness. Through the sacrifice on the cross, Jesus has washed away our shame, guilt, and condemnation. In turn, he gives us everlasting hope. Hope that no matter how deep in sin we may be, there is always a way back to him. There is always forgiveness and a chance to start over. In this Psalm, David confidently states that his hope is placed in God. He reminds us that this kind of Godly hope never fails us. David also calls us to remember that a person who continues to choose sin over God will reap the consequences of their actions. See, David tells us that both hope and shame are choices we make. We can choose to grasp the hope found in God and release the shame, or we can continue to hold on to that heavy burden caused by shame. What will you choose today? Are you choosing to embrace the freedom and forgiveness that is found in Christ? Are you going to live in the hope that comes freely with walking in God’s path for your life?
PRAYER
Lord God, nothing we could ever do will make us worthy of your love and forgiveness. It is by your grace and mercy that we come confidently into your presence. We release our shame and guilt into your hands. We receive your forgiveness and love. Give us the wisdom to walk a path that is aligned with your will for our lives. Let our lives bring your light into the hearts of those around us. In your mighty name we pray, Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
“Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference.” Max Lucado

Betsy Chacko, Staten Island MTC, NY
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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