“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” -Romans: 1-2

Shame is not thinking that you made a mistake or did something wrong, but thinking that you are something wrong, or someone wrong. It’s a deep sense of unworthiness that can overwhelm you. Maybe you ended this year feeling shameful about your mistakes. Thankfully, the Gospel promises that we can live without shame. Jesus died for our sins — for our shame. God likes to use imperfect people to do impossible things. Jesus called Matthew, a tax collector, to follow him and to be his disciple. Jesus called a man whose career was the lowest of the low and used him to preach and represent him. God is going to call you to do multiple things; every time we’re called it’s going to stretch us, it’s going to be good for us and others, and it’s going to prepare us for our next calling. So dream big as we begin this new year, you’re going to do great things.

PRAYER: Thank you, Lord, for freeing me of my shame. Thank you for using me, in all my guilt and imperfections, to do impossible things for you.

REFLECTION: Do you feel weighed down by shame at the end of this year? Be free of your shame, good things are coming.