Hello, dear friends. Pastor Loren Christensen here, and I'm delighted to continue our journey on "A Word from the Vine." In our last episode, we explored the concept of healthy shame through the lens of Adam and Eve. Today, let's dive into a topic that directly intersects with our modern lives—navigating the cultural shift around shame.
Our society often tells us not to shame others. The emphasis is on kindness, empathy, and understanding, which are undoubtedly essential virtues. However, as we navigate this cultural shift, we must ask ourselves: Are we losing sight of the redemptive power of healthy shame?
Let's turn to 2 Corinthians 7:10, where the Apostle Paul writes, "For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death."
Here, Paul draws a clear distinction between godly grief, which leads to repentance, and worldly grief, which leads to death. Could it be that our modern aversion to shame is inadvertently leading us away from the very thing that can bring about transformation and redemption?
Consider this: healthy shame is not about condemning individuals. It's about recognizing our need for a Savior. In our efforts to shield people from shame, are we unintentionally hindering their path to repentance? The Bible suggests that godly sorrow leads to repentance, and repentance leads to salvation.
As we navigate this cultural shift, let's maintain a delicate balance. Building self-esteem and fostering a culture of understanding are crucial, but let us not forget the biblical truth that acknowledging our brokenness is equally important.
In the next episode, we'll delve deeper into the redemptive power of shame as a catalyst for personal transformation. Until then, may you find wisdom and discernment as you navigate the cultural currents around us.
This is Pastor Loren, and you're listening to "A Word from the Vine." Stay tuned for more insights from God's Word in the episodes to come.
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