You feel it every time someone says, “We could use your help.” You want to step up. You want to lead, to serve, to give back. But then that quiet voice whispers, “If they knew what you’ve done, they wouldn’t want you.”
So, you step back. You keep your distance. You play it safe.
Brother, that voice isn’t God’s voice. That’s shame talking.
Shame tells you you’re disqualified. It convinces you that your story is too messy for ministry, too broken for influence, too complicated for church. But the truth of Scripture says the exact opposite.
In 1 Timothy 1:15–16, Paul writes, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me… Christ Jesus might display His immense patience.”
Paul doesn’t hide his past. He lets it magnify God’s grace.
Your story, yes, even the part involving abortion isn’t something God wants hidden forever in the dark. It’s evidence of His mercy. If you keep it buried, people never get to see the miracle He’s done in you.
Fear says, “They’ll reject me.” Grace says, “I already accepted you.”
Jesus didn’t choose perfect men to build His Church. He chose fishermen, tax collectors, and deniers. He restored Peter the man who swore he never knew Him. That’s who He still chooses men who’ve been broken, humbled, and changed.
Maybe God is nudging you to lead a group, mentor another man, or simply be honest with a brother about what you’ve walked through. Don’t let the enemy use fear to silence your testimony.
People aren’t drawn to perfection; they’re drawn to redemption.
Romans 8:1 declares, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” That means your record has been cleared. Not hidden. Cleared.
So, take the first step back in. Start small serve where you are, speak truth when it’s needed, listen when someone else is struggling. Let your healing flow outward. The Church needs men who have wrestled with real sin and found real freedom.
You don’t belong on the sidelines. You belong in the story God’s still writing one where mercy wins, shame loses, and grace gets the final word.