March 4, 2012: Positive Negativity – Michael Hidalgo

Paul once said that he was “not ashamed of the gospel.” This is simply another way of saying, “I confess …” He can do this because he realizes that there is no shame in the truth because as he says, “Hope does not put to shame.” Paul is telling those who listen – not that “he isn’t embarrassed to share the gospel with other people.” He is stating emphatically that “with the gospel he will not be put to shame.” This is because of the power of the gospel. 

All of this means one thing: for the Christian there is no place for shame. This is why Jesus is never ashamed to call humans his brothers. When God looks at us he is not disappointed, ashamed, embarrassed – he can’t be because he took that shame with him to the cross.