“11 So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters.”
New birth in Christ happens the instant we ask Jesus to forgive our sins and be our Saviour but learning to live a new life is a process of transformation.
God doesn’t work just with our behaviour; He also changes our hearts. When we seriously commit ourselves to Jesus as Saviour and Lord, God begins transforming us from the inside out.
However, this transformation doesn’t happen overnight and will seem very slow at times. When you are tempted to condemn yourself because you aren’t making the progress you think you should be making, remind yourself, “I’m okay and I’m on my way!”
Remember that through faith you have been made right with God, and even though you have not arrived at perfection, you are making progress.
What this means for you
Read today's verse again. Jesus is not ashamed to call you His brother or His sister. Think about that. He knows your weaknesses. He knows your past. He knows the areas where you still struggle. And He is still not ashamed of you.
Many believers live with a quiet feeling of shame. They think God is disappointed with them all the time. But Romans 8:1 says there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. God corrects us, yes, but He does it as a loving Father, not as an angry judge.
Growth takes time. A baby does not walk on the first day. It falls many times before it learns. God is patient with you as you learn to walk with Him. When you fall, do not stay down. Say sorry, receive His forgiveness, get up and keep going.
Think about it
Where do you still feel ashamed before God?
What small step of growth can you thank God for today?
Pray:
Heavenly Father, thank You, for Your guidance and protection along our journey. For blessing us with the strength and courage to continue on this path, even when we have been discouraged at times. We are thankful for the progress we have made, however small, and for You never giving up on us. In Jesus Precious name, Amen.
Keep going
More on Identity and Freedom in Teaching & Resources.
Go deeper with the Freedom in Christ course.
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