Faith that Presses On: Finding Freedom from Guilt and Shame

Have you ever looked back on a mistake or sin—a moment of foolishness or outright disobedience—and thought, Lord, what was I thinking?

Feelings of embarrassment and shame can come in waves, leaving us in bondage to regret.

The problem is that guilt is a liar.

Guilt says we cannot move forward because of what lies behind us.

But grace tells a different story.

Paul’s Encouragement to Press On

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul speaks about the goal of the Christian life: to grow in Christlikeness as we eagerly await the perfected eternal life to come. He writes:

“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.”
(Philippians 3:12, ESV)

How profound! Paul declares that although he has not reached perfection, he has been purchased by the Perfect Savior, Jesus Christ. Because his identity is rooted in Christ, Paul says he can press on in the race.

Forgetting What Lies Behind

Paul continues:

“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 3:13–14, ESV)

Paul reminds us that the gospel frees and empowers us. Because of the grace of God extended to us, we don’t need to dwell on past mistakes—we can press on to the hope that lies before us.

A Mark of Spiritual Maturity

Finally, Paul concludes:

“Let those of us who are mature think this way.”
(Philippians 3:15, ESV)

A true sign of spiritual maturity, Paul says, is to believe that we can press on in courageous faith—and then to actually do so.

We trust boldly in the forgiveness and grace we have received. We lean strongly on the promises God has made. We see more clearly how magnificent Jesus is. This is fighting faith that keeps us moving forward.

The Truth About Grace and Guilt

The enemy wants you to believe that you are stuck—stuck in an endless cycle of shame and self-condemnation.

But the grace of God liberates us. It reminds us that we are running this race based on the merit of Another.

Friend, you can press on, because Christ Jesus has made you His own.

Additional Verses for Reflection

2 Corinthians 5:17 — “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
Hebrews 12:1–2 — “…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…”