You Are Welcome Here

Course Cut-OutMore Than Your Past - Shedding Shame and Guilt
Written By Austin Cavaliere

If you need help seeing Jesus in the middle of your struggle, or just feel like you are stuck, ready to move into growth and healing, connect with a Christian coach.

Excerpt: You Are Welcome Here - More Than Your Past Session 1

Course: More Than Your Past - Shedding Shame & Guilt

Speakers: Benji Horning, Ryan Miller

Unmasking Shame: Finding Jesus in Our Hidden Stories

Shame often attaches itself to the parts of our lives we try to conceal, yet it can inadvertently define us. Our aim is to help you identify these hidden areas and invite Jesus into them, discovering His presence in those very spaces. Just as Jesus sought out the shamed woman at the well, He desires to restore our worth and rewrite our stories, addressing not just the visible aspects of our lives but also the unseen ones.

Jesus: Our Understanding and Shame-Bearing Savior

Jesus intimately understands shame. Scripture reveals He moved towards the ashamed and bore the weight of shame Himself. He knows the feelings of unworthiness, isolation, and the yearning for connection. His earthly ministry was marked by encounters where He directly addressed shame, offering healing and restoration.

Consider Jesus' interaction with the woman at the well or the woman caught in adultery. He met them in their shame, offering acceptance and dignity. In the same way, Jesus meets us in our hidden places, asking, "Where are your accusers?" offering freedom from condemnation.

Finding Our Worth: The Prodigal Welcome of God

The story of the prodigal son beautifully illustrates God's unconditional love and welcome. The father's extravagant acceptance mirrors the Greek word proslambanomai, a deep, holistic embrace of the entire person, flaws and all. This is the welcome Jesus extends to us.

Like the lost coin, the lost sheep, and the lost son, we are deeply valued by God. He pursues us relentlessly and rejoices in our return. Even when we feel unworthy, like the prodigal son returning in shame, the Father runs towards us, restoring our dignity and welcoming us back into the family.

A Prayer for Unmasking Shame and Receiving Love

Let us now open our hands as a posture of receiving love, perhaps in a way you haven't before. Bring to mind the lies you've believed or that have been spoken over you. We bring these to the foot of the cross.

Jesus, we pray for each person to experience Your embrace, the feeling of Your robe wrapped around them. Lord, reveal the lies they believe and the hidden spaces where they haven't fully allowed You to enter. Show them where shame manifests in their lives, hindering connection and their calling.

Just as the father ran to the prodigal son, reveal Your pursuit and wrap them in Your love. Take their shame and lies upon Yourself, knowing that You died with them and resurrected them to fullness. Lord, grant them a deep knowing of Your proslambanomai, Your complete and unconditional welcome. In Jesus' name, Amen.

 

If you like the content, you can continue in a few different ways…

  • 1) See the outline below and check out other sections from the FFP course.

  • 2) Take the full small group course to your church community! The first course your church runs is free! Reach out to us here to learn how.

  • 3) Connect with a Share The Struggle Coach for one-on-one support. Let’s face it, some of us have tried kicking this thing, and we’ve had no luck. It’s time to start looking toward forms of support that can help us see and feel the beautiful life God has in store for us.

 

More Than Your Past

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More Than Your Past 〰️

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3

Session 4

Session 5

Session 6

 

Share The Struggle Courses

Share the Struggle Courses are topical expert led video courses to help you understand life’s greatest struggles and provide you with tools for navigating them. Moreover, STS courses create a space for you to connect with others struggling with similar things, experience belonging, and encounter God’s nearness in a place of wilderness in your life (pain, confusion, healing journey). Want to start a group at your church? Reach out to us here to learn how.

 

What Share The Struggle Believes

Here at Share The Struggle we believe Jesus is present with us in the middle of our pain and mess, and it is in that place that we often experience and encounter Jesus most deeply.

We understand the unique challenges faced by Christians dealing with mental health. Our mission is to bridge the gap between faith and mental health support, providing a platform where individuals can find resources, coaching support and guidance, all tailored to their spiritual life and emotional needs.

We invite you to explore our resources, share your journey, and find the support you need to overcome the struggles you face.

Austin Cavaliere
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