Sexuality and Shame: Sam Adeyemi

John 8: 10-12 The average person struggles with his/her sexuality; this is because the emotions are so strong that it's always a struggle to control the urges. Sexual issues are usually hard to talk about, and as a result, many an error have been made and with these errors come shame. Shame thrives in secrecy, which is why it's important to talk about it; also, sexual sins fester under the cover of secrecy. The devil uses the weapon of shame to engage us in battle over our sexuality and he keeps Christians who have confessed their sins and received forgiveness from God in bondage. Also, for the non-believers, the devil deadens their consciences and such people carry on unashamedly in acts of immorality. Guilt and shame cause a person's prayer life to be ineffective. The devil plagues people with guilt and shame over past experiences such as abuse, unwanted pregnancies, abortions, STDs, etc, even the married people shrink with shame over issues like the size of their body parts or sexual prowess; he is the accuser of the brethren, he spends all his time accusing people before God and plaguing our minds with shame, guilt and condemnation. However, Romans 8:1 declares freedom for everyone in Christ who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit; it depends on who we are listening to. It's only when we assess ourselves through God's eyes that we can have the correct estimation of who we really are. As Christians, we must accept the truth that God has forgiven us all the sins we have repented of and confessed. There is nothing in our past that we should be ashamed of. To break free from shame, we must first admit you made a mistake, and then ask God to forgive you. Also, forgive yourself because God has forgiven you indeed. It's very important you forgive yourself because you may be holding yourself down by holding on to your past. Next, find someone you trust to talk to about it with, talking things over helps. Lastly, do NOT do it again; it's hard but achievable through the help of the Holy Spirit. Christ came for the sick and needy not for those who have no need for a physician. It's hypocrisy to expect that everyone in church is perfect. Church is just like a hospital where ailing people come to get treated, so we should support one another not criticize or ostracize. Galatians 6:1
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