Lent Day 18: Painted Skin

And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Romans 5:5

Most of us may have had a time in our childhood where we’ve been scolded or grounded because of a failure or misbehavior. Though in moments these are times that require discipline for any child, the most difficult for any human being to deal with is the seed of shame. Shame is something that is difficult for any of us to wash off of our flesh once it has been set in. This idea of shame often causes people to define themselves and determine that there is no hope for the future whether it is in their spiritual life, career or relationships. Shame often is the cause of insecurity, fear, and instability in character. It paints the color of one’s skin and says “this is you”. It says: “You have no hope, you have nothing of worth.”

But what Salvation is for us, is the blood of Christ that instead covers and washes away all of the dyes of sin and shame on our flesh and soul. It re-establishes and justifies us through the Holy Spirit saying “Now, this is you. You are loved by me. You are my child.” A true sense of hope in the Lord leads us to recognize that we are eternally loved by God, with no condition. Our hope in him leads us to no limitation of joy but rather in his eternal promises.

Today, whatever seed of shame that has taken over our confidence and boldness in life, allow the Holy Spirit to have presence in your heart. Know that the Blood of Christ was shed for you that covers any multitude of sin in your life. That is how much the Lord loves you.