Not Ashamed

2 Timothy 1:8-9 (CEB) · Passing the Flame

“So don’t be ashamed of the testimony about the Lord or of me, his prisoner. Instead, share the suffering for the good news, depending on God’s power. God is the one who saved and called us with a holy calling. This wasn’t based on what we have done, but it was based on his own purpose and grace that he gave us in Christ Jesus before time began.” — 2 Timothy 1:8-9 (CEB)

Paul writes these words from a cell. “Don’t be ashamed of the testimony about the Lord or of me, his prisoner.” He knows what being tied to a chained man costs. People distance themselves from prisoners.

But Paul refuses to let shame be the whole story. God, he says, “saved and called us with a holy calling,” not based on what we have done but on God’s own purpose and grace.

Shame tells us we have to earn our place. Paul reminds Timothy the call is grace. Before any of us did anything right or wrong, God had already decided to include us. It started with God’s choosing, not our résumé.

The antidote to shame isn’t pretending we have nothing embarrassing about us. It is remembering whose call we answered.

What are you tempted to be ashamed of that Jesus has already covered with grace?

Grace-giving God, when shame tries to name us, speak over it. Remind us that we are called by your purpose, not our performance. Amen.