“My dishonor is continually before me, and the shame of my face has covered me, because of the voice of him who reproaches and reviles, because of the enemy and the avenger.” Psalm 44: 15-16
Shame and abortion often are tied together until revelation of the cross of Christ breaking the power of shame is unveiled and deeply rooted. The living Word of God cuts through the tie shame holds on identity. And once cut and truth is rooted deep, shame has no more hold. This is true not only for abortion but any sin or strongholds strongly tied to identity.
Sin and shame co-exist well together in a dysfunctional way. Jesus broke the power of both.
What is often overlooked is the shame not caused by a personal sin, but rather of those who sinned against you or shame that was “put on” you by others. The common expression “Shame on you” is a prime example of how people place a garment on shame unwittingly on others. These three little words contain immense weight.
Often times these people are even placing this garment of shame on ones they love and care for, unknowing the toxic implications of their words.
This shame can lay dormant masking as insecurity. It can cause those affected to hide and self-protect, unwilling or unable to fully enter into relationships and community. We can be hiding as a result of the cloak covering and binding us.
The Lord revealed this to me as I have been walking through new revelations of shame I was unaware of due to words and actions others placed on me in childhood. It was not a result of a sin I committed. Words have power. Actions have power. Shame has power. But there is a power greater. The blood of Jesus defeated the power of shame, all shame, whether self-inflicted or outwardly induced.
The Psalmist in Psalm 44: 15-16 experienced shame due to those in close proximity inflicting dishonor on him. This shame hides in the shadows and is often overlooked. The Lord wants to expose and expel all shame.
Whether you have had an abortion or have another sin in your life causing shame to latch onto your identity, or if there is shame lingering due to the sins of others against you, there is good news for you! Jesus broke the power of all shame! The enemy of our soul shames. His goal is to go after identity. If He can convince you of how unworthy you are and tie shame to your feet, He knows He has you bound and you won’t move far.
We can take off the garment of shame and lay it at the foot of the cross. This action frees us to accept who God says we are, His beloved daughter or son, the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. No one can take that identity from us. It is our true identity.
Father, thank you for sending Jesus to break the power of shame, whether self-inflicted or placed on us by others. Thank you, Lord, for the cross of Jesus Christ that expels shame. Help us lay down our garment of shame placed on us by the enemy or others and pick up our true garment of praise and righteousness, fully loved as a daughter/son of our Heavenly Father. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.