Being Ashamed to Confess the Gospel and Christ
Before you begin: Please read the Introduction — How to Practice the Gospel Exercises
Reflection on (Lk 12:8–9; Rom 1:16; 2 Tim 1:7–8; Mk 8:38; 1 Pet 3:15)
Prayer
Holy Spirit, I ask you, fill me with courage and wisdom so that I may not be afraid to bear witness to Christ before the world. Enlighten my mind and strengthen my heart, that I may be able to profess my faith in everyday life with love, humility, and truth.
Amen.
Reflection
One of the obstacles we can encounter when following Christ is being ashamed to confess Him before the world. In Luke 12:8–9 Jesus speaks very directly: “Everyone who acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God.” These words are a strong call to a sincere attitude of faith that does not hide, but boldly professes to whom our heart belongs.
We find similar encouragements in the letters of the apostle Paul. In Romans 1:16 he writes: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” He reminds us that the gospel is the good news of salvation and of God’s grace. If we truly receive it, we also receive a firm foundation for our lives, and there is truly nothing in it to be ashamed of.
In 2 Timothy 1:7–8 Paul further exhorts: “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and self-control. Do not be ashamed, then, of testifying to our Lord…” Here too we clearly see that shame is the opposite of the strength God gives us. If we rely on Christ, He gives us the courage to stand up and acknowledge Him in any circumstances.
Jesus Himself emphasizes the importance of not being ashamed of Him and of His words. In Mark 8:38 He warns: “Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of that person will the Son of Man also be ashamed…” In this He clearly shows that our willingness to identify with Him publicly is key to our relationship with Him.
We often find ourselves in situations where it is easier to remain silent or to “go along with” the majority opinion in order to avoid unpleasantness. Yet the apostle Peter encourages us in 1 Peter 3:15: “…always be ready to make a defense before anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence…” To confess Christ does not mean being aggressive or arrogant, but to trust Him in all things, to believe firmly in Him and to love Him above all. Only then will we truly be able to explain our hope and answer the questions of this world.
Conclusion
The shame of acknowledging Christ is humanly understandable, especially when we feel social pressure or fear rejection. But Scripture encourages us that God has given us a spirit of power, love, and self-control so that we will not be afraid to declare to whom we belong. When we realize the greatness of the grace that has been given to us, we begin to understand that confessing Christ is a joyful duty.
May these biblical words strengthen us in courage and willingness to stand for the gospel in every situation of our lives.
Discernment
Let us reflect on the situations in which we were ashamed or afraid to openly admit our faith—at work, among friends, at school, or in the family. Let us recall moments when we preferred to remain silent to avoid unpleasant reactions, or when we feared ridicule.
What predominated in us then—fear, comfort or convenience, or worry about losing others’ approval? In prayer, let us ask God to heal these places in our hearts, so that we may not be afraid to stand for the truth of the gospel in love and in peace, without the need for confrontation or proving ourselves.
Resolution
In the coming days, let us pay attention to situations in which we may be caught off guard by shame or hesitation to acknowledge Christ or our faith. Let us decide in those moments to stand firm—with courage, yet also with humility and love. When the temptation to remain silent comes, let us remember Christ’s words and allow ourselves to be led by the Holy Spirit, who will give us the strength and wisdom we need.
Prayer
Our Father…