“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine.” – Isaiah 43:1, CSB
Talking with a friend recently, he told me part of his story. He said that he had done some things in his younger days that he regretted. He was an alcoholic and had flipped his car one night drinking and driving. He felt so much shame. Especially shame he felt he put upon his family.
When he was released from jail, he went back home to apologize to his mom for bringing shame on her and the family. What he wanted to share with me most was how his mom responded. She said, “Son, as long as you are in my family, you will never have to feel shame because I love you.”
What an incredible response from a loving mother to her son!
If a finite mother can offer that much love and forgiveness to her son, how much more can an infinite God? Our Heavenly Father offers a love so much greater than a human parent ever could. When we give our sin and failures to Jesus, God forgives us and no longer sees our sin. He sees us just like He sees His perfect Son, Jesus! He calls us by our name because He has redeemed us, and we are His!
Just a few verses later in Isaiah 43:4, God tell us that we are precious in His sight, we are honored, and He loves us. There is no greater love than what Christ did on the cross for you and me. He paid our sin debt fully on the cross! Take comfort in knowing that your Heavenly Father calls you by your name and loves you.
Challenge:
Are you feeling shame or condemnation about something? Romans 8:1 says there is now NO condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. Ask the Lord to set you free from the guilt and shame that He already has victory over. That victory is yours too!
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus… Victory is ours through Christ, who loved us!” (Romans 8:1, 37, NLT).