Humiliation?

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.
The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
​2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV

I received a letter from a friend who has been doubting God’s love, and is guilt-ridden over sins of the past...

So in my response, I wrote the following, which I hope my readers who are struggling with the same problem will find helpful. I’ve had to deal with this issue myself:

“You shouldn’t feel humiliated because of the sins of the past. Before coming to Christ,
we lived in ignorance. We did not have a clear or correct understanding of God, and who
He is. We knew nothing of His love. But we have since been enlightened. We’re not perfect,
but we know there’s a Savior whom we can turn to for forgiveness.

“You need to see yourself as the Lord sees you. You’re now a child of God through faith in
Jesus. And God, who delights in mercy, doesn’t look at your sins and failings as He has chosen
to forget them, forever. 

“Therefore, please refuse to see yourself as others do, as they still retain the memories of
your past sins. Today, however, you are a new creation in Christ. Through Christ, you have
begun a new life. These biblical truths are important to remember, as they will help you to
get free from living with past regrets.

“Ask the Lord for help in letting go of past memories of your life before coming to Christ.
Of course, we will always retain some unpleasant memories of the past, but not to the point
where you’re held in mental and emotional bondage to them. The Lord wants you to be at
peace within yourself. He wants you to experience the joy of salvation. Do think on these
​things.”

D.B.