Dear Friends:

—

Dear Friends: 

We spoke yesterday in our Sanctuary service about the power of confession, particularly motivated by the nagging sense of guilt that something in our lives is just not right. 

Spiritual maturity demands that we all know the difference between guilt and shame. Shame can be debilitating; and it comes from a most unhealthy place. Somewhere in our past, we somehow got the message we weren’t good enough, that somehow God had made a mistake in our creation. This is not what Jesus says. In fact, we will deal more specifically with his redemptive perspective next this coming Sunday. Just know that shame has nothing to do with Jesus.

Guilt, on the other hand, can facilitate change. Guilt is that feeling that we have done something or said something that has hurt another person. Guilt can generate in us a little more compassion, a deeper sense of empathy, a better awareness of how others might feel. If you are struggling with guilt, like the Psalmist in Psalm 32, that can be a very good thing. You might be ready for healing and for a new day of growth and goodness. 

If you are struggling with shame, this week may you discover anew that abiding acceptance so deeply connected to what Psalm 103 calls: “The steadfast love of the Lord, from everlasting unto everlasting.”

Being Your Own Best Friend

She had struggled mightily with self-esteem issues. And she grew into a towering personality of great influence. A humble, wise and highly influential person on a world stage, her name was Eleanor Roosevelt. And this is one of the many insightful things she said:  

Friendship with oneself is all important because, without it, one cannot be friends with anyone else in the world.

May you be your own best friend today. See yourself as the same great treasure God created you to be. And live today with the gusto a good friendship inspires. Amen.

Love, 

David

---

David Jordan
Senior Pastor