For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one origin. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, saying,

“I will tell of your name to my brothers;

in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”

And again,

“I will put my trust in him.”

And again,

“Behold, I and the children God has given me.”

– Hebrews 2:10-13

If you are a child of God, Jesus is not ashamed of you. He is not ashamed to call you his brother, his sister.

Are you forgiven, redeemed, cleansed, and yet prone to terrible shame? Go to the One who knows you better than you know yourself. He lives to heal you, and he is not ashamed of you.

It doesn’t mean God isn’t grieved by the sins we commit. Sin is a terrible thing; it’s far worse than we know. But – trust me on this – Jesus death on the cross holds more power than you can imagine. It was the final crushing of sin and of the devil’s greatest power, the power of death. “It is finished!” Jesus cried, and he meant it. Over. Done with. I write this as one who knows the darkness in the heart of man; in every one of my thoughts are entwined evils for which I should be destroyed.

But I’ve been rescued and cleansed by One who is powerful to save and unashamed to call me his brother.