Seven Longings of the Human Heart - Longing #5: Longing for Intimacy without Shame

  I'm continuing with sharing my brief descriptions of longing #5, referring to the "Seven Longings of the Human Heart," by Mick Bickle & Deborah Heibert's book.

If you would like a copy of the book, you can find it at ihopkc,  Amazon, or Christianbooks.com. (I'm not getting any commission mentioning this book or sharing links.)

 

 

 

Longing #5:

Longing for Intimacy without Shame

God has created us to know Him and to be known by Him. In all other relationships, there are risks of wounds and broken intimacy by the other party. But with Jesus, there is always access in drawing near to God in an intimate place without shame. [He doesn't bring the shame, but if you are the one bringing it, that is another story.] You'll find in the intimate place, not only knowing more of Him and His secrets buts also His intentions, His heart, and desires.

***

Coming from an Asian culture, shame is a big deal. It is part of keeping the moral fabric together in society. Of course, most families would not describe it that way, but instead label it as love, discipline or just being humanly emotional.

Throughout the years, it took me a while to give God permission to "touch" my shame mechanisms. Punishing oneself to become "better" was the only way I knew how to develop for a very long time. Even more so, not wanting to feel ashamed or shame for any visible failures was a huge motive to "get things right."

I would even add "guilt" into the mix, which is commonly found in Western cultures and me being born and raised in one! So you can imagine the mix between the two is a doosey. 

I'll tell you upfront, that is a huge waste of torturous time. Wasting not only time but emotional peace and demeaning who God created you to be.

We do NOT have to worry about shame and guilt with Jesus! 

Will there be conviction? Yes.
Some sadness? Most likely.
A change of heart? Yes

Shame and Guilt?  Nope!

He will not hold those over us.

He who was sinless, "became" the sin that so easily entangles our lives, so that it could be put to death, the power of sin, death, hell, and the grave would be broken over our lives and make a clear way for a relationship with the Father eternally.

Because of this, we can have free access to God without shame and guilt!

Have you considered that you may be bringing unnecessary guilt and shame into a relationship with God?

What areas do you find it difficult to let go of guilt and shame?  Why?

Ask God to help you believe in His perfect gift of freedom, that Jesus paid for on the cross, so that you can confidently approach Him and His throne of Grace.

"For He [God] made Him [Jesus] who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."  2 Cor 5:21

"Surely he [Jesus] has borne our griefs

and carried our sorrows;

yet we esteemed him stricken,

smitten by God, and afflicted.

But he was pierced for our transgressions;

he was crushed for our iniquities;

upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,

and with his wounds, we are healed."
Isaiah 53:4-5

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."  Hebrews 4:15-16