James Wright’s Reviews > Shame Interrupted: How God Lifts the Pain of Worthlessness and Rejection > Status Update

"Your presence in the lives of other people is more powerful than you think...Your presence announces God's unique interest in the other person...This does not mean that those who are linked to us immediately belong to Christ, but it does mean that...they have daily opportunities to witness the Spirit within another person. In a real way they too have been set apart."

Then uses 1 Cor 7 as an example.

On John 13:6-10 … the foot washing symbolizes the daily cleansing we all need from sin … called confession and repentance.

Sin is a fact. To be blind to it is shameful. To see it is normal and human. To confess it to the Lord and see that he gladly accepts you...? That shows you are connected to him and becoming more like him.

Ch21 uses very helpful illustration of birthdays as an example of undeserved honour.

Patient, progressive (in the sense of unfolding), pastoral care on display. Good both for those where shame is a daily feature of life and those where it features less.

As one who is wary of 'reading myself into Scripture' where it simply is not warranted, Welch's careful pastoral application of Scripture into daily life seems like a good model to follow.

"Obedience in small things will be your aim in this new kingdom. When circumstances or emotions overwhelm, you will think 'How can I live for my Father now?' The answer will usually be 'Love the person in front of you' or 'Be faithful with the responsibilities right in front of you'. … Your goal is not contentment or honor. Your goal is to be associated with Christ and his kingdom...