Are you controlled by the opinions of others? Are you wrestling with shame because of events or choices in your past? On the weekend edition of Live the Promise we hear Susie’s discussion with counselor Ed Welch. They unpack the dangers of codependency and look at how Christ sets us free from shame. Ed’s book is When People Are Big and God Is Small.

Are you afraid to be yourself because of what your friends or coworkers may think?

Do you hide certain personality traits because you’re afraid people will reject you?

Do you make many of your decisions based on past fears or experiences?

If you answer ‘yes’ to any of those questions, God is calling you step out of your fear of man and into a deeper walk with Him, forsaking the opinions of others. How do we break free? Ed recommends asking the deeper question – why do I need someone other than Jesus to think I’m great? Our focus on God’s character and goodness will minimize our opinion and the opinions of others. We can choose to meditate on who God says we are, and what He’s given us, and learn to respond to others rather than react to their opinions. Ed calls us to learn to walk the road between false humility – thinking we are worthless – or pride – thinking about ourselves too much.

  • Don’t mistake self-reflection for humility – we need to be focused on God and His work rather than us and our flaws
  • Understand that loving others means loving them as fellow humans, as fellow imperfect people, and not as God
  • Embrace the fear of the Lord (the beginning of wisdom) rather than the fear of man (a snare)

Key Scriptures: Jeremiah 9:23; Luke 12:32-34

Theme Song: You Cannot Lose My Love by Sara Groves

Highlight : Break free from shame and regret

Break free from shame and regret