Not Ashamed

For I am not ashamed
of the gospel
(Romans 1:16a, NRS)

Good Morning,

My friend’s wife left him for another person. Understandably, he is struggling with feelings of rejection. In fact, my friend has begun to filter life through thoughts of rejection and loss. Shame is attached to his wife’s decision to leave, disconnecting him from the joy of living each day.

The Apostle Paul suffered rejection from the Jewish people he served when he asked Christ to come into his life. Imprisoned for his faith in Christ, Paul wrote a letter to the ancient Church of Rome from his cell. He explained his stance in Romans 1:16a:

For: The Apostle Paul used the conjunction, “for,” in order to alert the reader of an explanation. Rejected by the Jewish community that he loved and served, Paul wanted to explain the reason he personally embraced and publicly told about Christ.
He was not ashamed.

I am not ashamed: The word, “ashamed,” intensifies the word, “shame.” In the New Testament language, the word ashamed could be translated as disgraced or dishonored. A particular circumstance created significant shame, an emotional pain and a loss of power. The life event of meeting Christ on the road to Damascus caused Paul to lose his standing with the Jewish people. Moreover, he was imprisoned for his faith in Jesus Christ. Paul perceived life in Christ as gain, irregardless of his circumstances.
He was not ashamed.

Of the gospel: The Apostle Paul passionately expressed the message (good news, gospel) of Jesus Christ. In New Testament Greek writing, the word, “of” could be interpreted as “belonging.” Thus, no shame belonged to the gospel in Paul’s life. He discovered that Christ defines life and nothing could compare. Nothing.
He was not ashamed.

Evaluate your perspective of the message of Christ.
Do any thoughts, words, or actions indicate you are ashamed?
Do not be ashamed.
Live free of shame in Christ.
Learning with you to not be ashamed,
Kerrie

(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2007 All Rights Reserved)