Stop Carrying the Shame and Guilt of Others

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
~ Romans 8:1, KJV~

As a Christian – we only stand condemned when it comes to our own sense of shame and guilt. Why then do we carry the shame, guilt, and blame from others? We do not need to accept another person’s blame, neither defend ourselves. For that would only start a fruitless battle. Those who do not understand and know of the grace and mercy of our Heavenly Father may blame us out of their own insecurities, anger, and disappointments. They unload deep rooted pain and distress onto us. Instead of responding defensively let us respond out of empathy and compassion. Out of charity and love.

There is no need for me to accept the gift of anger, condemnation, judgment and criticism from another. Just as much as it is not for me to accept my own gift of anger, shame, and guilt toward myself. I deal with my own shortcomings and weaknesses through Jesus Christ and the amazing grace offered toward me. If I do this honestly and humbly – following the truth’s of our Savior – the change in me will reflect outwards in love and compassion. It is therefore how I choose to walk each day – not by my own flesh and desires but through the grace of God and His spirit.

~ Today’s Prayer and Meditation ~

Heavenly Father, help me understand that it is not by my will but thine that I walk accordingly. When someone comes to me with judgment and condemnation, let me reach them with thy love and compassion. With a spirit of truth and grace. For it is the broken and desperate human spirit that lacks understanding and seeking, hungering, thirsting for truth. They may judge and scorn in vain O Lord, let me stand in thy Grace and Truth and minister to their broken spirit through thy divine light. In Jesus Name, Amen.