Worship Wednesday: Held in Grace, Not Shame

Written By Jalaina Collins

Reading: Romans 7:14–25 (NLT)

There is something deeply comforting about being seen fully—and still loved. Romans 7:14–25 does exactly that. It names the tension we all live in: wanting to do what is right, yet finding ourselves doing the very thing we wish we wouldn’t. This passage doesn’t sugarcoat the struggle, and that honesty is part of its kindness.

The Struggle We All Know

Paul puts words to an experience that feels almost universal. We know what is good. We desire to live it out. And yet, we fall short. Again and again.

This isn’t a confession of weakness meant to discourage us—it’s an acknowledgment of our humanity. Sin is woven into our human nature. Even with the best intentions, even with genuine love for God, we don’t always choose rightly. That internal battle doesn’t mean we are broken beyond repair. It means we are human.

God’s Kindness in the Middle of the Mess

What stands out most in this passage isn’t condemnation—it’s compassion.

God is not surprised by our struggle. He doesn’t turn away in disappointment when we fail for the hundredth time. Instead, He responds with kindness. He responds with provision.

God knew we could never free ourselves from sin by willpower alone. So He did what only love would do—He sent His Son.

Jesus came so we would no longer be slaves to sin. Not so we would never struggle again, but so sin would no longer have the final word. Our failures are real, but they are not our identity. Grace is.

Free, But Still Choosing

Freedom in Christ doesn’t remove the daily need for discernment. We are no longer bound, but we are still responsible.

Each day, we choose who we listen to.

  • The voice of shame that says, “You’ll never change.”

  • Or the voice of truth that says, “You are forgiven—keep going.”

Discernment is holding tight to truth even when emotions, habits, or past patterns pull us in another direction. It’s remembering that conviction draws us closer to God, while shame pushes us away.

Trying Again Is an Act of Faith

One of the most powerful truths in Romans 7 is that failure is not the end of the story.

When we fall, we are invited—not scolded—to return. To repent. To try again.

Continuing to pursue God after failure is not hypocrisy. It is faith.

Faith says:

  • I failed, but I am not finished.

  • I stumbled, but I will still seek Him.

  • I don’t do this perfectly, but I trust the One who is.

Held by Grace

Romans 7 reminds us that the Christian walk is not about pretending we don’t struggle—it’s about knowing where to go when we do.

God is kind. God is patient. God is deeply aware of our humanity.

And still, He chooses us.

As you move through this week, may you hold tight to discernment, release shame quickly, and return to grace often. Trying again—especially after failure—is not weakness. It is worship.

Reflection Prompt for the Week:

Where have you been tempted to give up because of repeated struggle—and how might God be inviting you to lean into grace instead of shame?

Jalaina Collins