If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 
1 John 1:9

Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;

    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 
Romans 8:33-39

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If you watched the Olympics this summer, you couldn’t help but fall in love with certain athletes, whether because of their personalities on the field, their unbelievable talents, or even a viral photo of them practicing their routine in their heads that looks like they’re sleeping mid-meet (looking at you, pommel horse guy!).

What I remember most are the stories told about the athletes. One athlete whose story was highlighted during the Games was a gymnast named Brody Malone. In March of 2023, Brody fell during a competition and damaged his knee so badly that doctors didn’t think he would ever walk again, let alone do gymnastics. Not quite a year and a half later, post surgery and therapy and training, he was the captain of a bronze medal winning team. 

Why is his story so captivating? Because he had to start over and build something new. The old Brody, his old training habits, skills, and mindset had to start over. 

There are books, movies, and television shows all about people, families, even whole societies who start over after a  life-changing event. They begin fresh. Even if it’s a bumpy road, each of these characters captivates our imaginations for what is possible when we start fresh. When we begin building something new. 

This same idea is the freedom declared through the words of Paul and John—that the resurrection of Jesus and his ascension to the throne over all creation allows all things to be made new in the kingdom of God. The blood shed at the cross and the defeat of death at the resurrection give each of us access to forgiveness. The Lordship of Jesus gives us power over all things, including our past. 

When we think about our past sins, the enemy wants nothing more than to trap us in the shame of those decisions. The enemy wants us to doubt our forgiveness, be afraid of sharing our journeys, and forget that the promises and power of Jesus mean that not only is there forgiveness but there’s redemption. All things are being made new. 

If your story involves past sexual sin, and this week’s conversation around a healthy and godly sexual ethic has you bound in doubt and shame, re-read the words of Paul: “Who then, is the one who condemns? No one.” The enemy has been defeated. Accept and delight in God’s forgiveness and begin building something new. 

Next Steps

Do you find yourself experiencing shame around past sin? Spend time in prayer asking God to free you from the stronghold of shame, and pray in a posture of praise for forgiveness.