Pride and shame. You’d never know they’re sisters. They appear so different. Pride puffs out her chest. Shame hangs her head. Pride boasts. Shame hides. Pride seeks to be seen. Shame seeks to be avoided.

But don’t be fooled, the emotions have the same parentage. And the emotions have the same impact. They keep you from your Father. Pride says, “You’re too good for him.” Shame says, “You’re too bad for him. Pride drives you away, shame keeps you away.

If pride is what goes before a fall, then shame is what keeps you from getting up after one. God, the sinless and selfless Father, loves us in our pride and shame. 2 Corinthians 5:19 (NKJV) says, “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself.”

Read more He Chose the Nails: What God Did to Win Your Heart

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.