Shame Interrupted

1. Shame is a universal human experience rooted in feelings of unworthiness

"Shame is the deep sense that you are unacceptable because of something you did, something done to you, or something associated with you. You feel exposed and humiliated."

Shame is pervasive. It affects people of all backgrounds and manifests in various ways, including depression, anger, addiction, and self-harm. Shame often involves feelings of being:

• Unclean or contaminated
• Exposed or naked
• Rejected or cast out
• Worthless or of little value

Shame's origins are complex. It can result from:

• Personal actions or failures
• Traumatic experiences or abuse
• Cultural or societal expectations
• Family dynamics and upbringing

Understanding the universality of shame can help individuals recognize they are not alone in their struggles and begin the journey towards healing and acceptance.

2. Shame can stem from our actions, others' actions, or our perceived inadequacies

"Sometimes shame grabs hold of your heart and life because of something that happened to you. It doesn't matter that so many others have experienced these things. With shame, misery doesn't care if it has company."

Sources of shame vary. Shame can arise from:

• Our own sinful actions or mistakes
• Abuse, neglect, or mistreatment by others
• Perceived failures or inadequacies
• Cultural or societal expectations

Shame distorts reality. It often leads to:

• Inaccurate self-perception
• Excessive self-blame
• Difficulty accepting love and forgiveness
• Isolation and withdrawal from relationships

Recognizing the source of shame is crucial for addressing it effectively. While personal responsibility is important, it's equally vital to understand that much shame is unfairly placed on us by others or by unrealistic expectations we've internalized.

3. The Bible addresses shame extensively, offering hope and redemption

"Scripture is all about shame from start to finish. Our task is to figure out which passages to consider. The sheer amount of Scripture devoted to shame can in itself bring hope."

Biblical narrative of shame. The Bible addresses shame throughout its narrative:

• Adam and Eve's shame after sin
• Israel's shame in exile
• Jesus' identification with the shamed

God's response to shame. Scripture reveals God's heart for the shamed:

• He clothed Adam and Eve
• He pursued outcasts like Hagar
• He sent Jesus to bear our shame

The Bible's extensive treatment of shame demonstrates its significance in human experience and God's redemptive plan. This offers hope to those struggling with shame, showing that God understands and addresses this deep human need.

4. Jesus Christ identifies with the shamed and offers cleansing and acceptance

"Jesus succeeded spectacularly in his goal of associating with outcasts. By the time he gathered the twelve disciples, he was already known as a 'friend of tax collectors and sinners.'"

Jesus' ministry to the shamed. Christ consistently:

• Touched the untouchable (lepers, bleeding woman)
• Ate with social outcasts (tax collectors, sinners)
• Forgave the shameful (adulterous woman)

The cross as the ultimate identification. Jesus:

• Experienced public humiliation and rejection
• Bore the shame of sin on behalf of humanity
• Offers cleansing and acceptance to all who believe

Jesus' willingness to associate with the shamed and ultimately bear shame himself demonstrates God's love for those society rejects. This offers profound hope and a new identity to those struggling with shame.

5. God's love and grace are the antidote to shame

"God honored us—it is too much to take in. Even now, it probably makes you squirm. It certainly does me. Most people who know shame are horribly uncomfortable with the idea of receiving honor."

God's radical love. The gospel reveals:

• God's pursuit of the unworthy
• Unconditional acceptance in Christ
• A new identity as God's beloved children

Grace challenges shame. Accepting God's grace:

• Counters feelings of unworthiness
• Replaces self-condemnation with divine acceptance
• Empowers believers to live confidently in their new identity

God's love and grace directly confront the core lies of shame. While it may feel uncomfortable at first, embracing this divine acceptance is key to overcoming shame's power in our lives.

6. Baptism and Communion symbolize cleansing and acceptance in Christ

"Baptism proclaims that we need purification. It comes to us only by receiving the benefits Jesus secured for us at the cross."

Baptism as cleansing. This sacrament symbolizes:

• Washing away of sin and shame
• Union with Christ in his death and resurrection
• Public declaration of a new identity

Communion as acceptance. The Lord's Supper represents:

• Fellowship with God and His people
• Ongoing nourishment in Christ
• Remembrance of Christ's sacrifice for our shame

These sacraments provide tangible reminders of God's work in cleansing us from shame and welcoming us into His family. They offer powerful experiences of God's grace that can help counteract shame's lies.

7. Believers are called to despise worldly shame and find honor in Christ

"Jesus despised shame (Hebrews 12:2). That doesn't mean that the topic of shame pushed his buttons and left him angry. Despise in this context can be translated as 'to look down upon,' 'to be unconcerned about,' or 'to give no mind to.'"

Redefining shame and honor. In Christ:

• Worldly shame loses its power
• True honor comes from God, not human opinion
• Suffering for Christ becomes a badge of honor

Practical application. Believers can:

• Reject worldly standards of worth
• Embrace their identity in Christ
• Find confidence in God's approval, not human acclaim

Learning to "despise shame" as Jesus did involves a radical reorientation of our values. It means finding our worth and identity in God's perspective rather than the world's fickle opinions.

8. Living in God's kingdom requires a radical shift in perspective on shame and honor

"Our problem is not the judgments of people. Our true problem is before God. Once we are secure in that relationship, disdain from mere humans loses its sting."

Kingdom values vs. worldly values. God's kingdom:

• Exalts the humble and shames the proud
• Values character over appearance or status
• Finds strength in weakness

Practical implications. Living in God's kingdom means:

• Seeking God's approval above human acclaim
• Finding worth in Christ, not personal achievements
• Embracing service and sacrifice as paths to true honor

This shift in perspective challenges deeply ingrained cultural values and personal instincts. It requires ongoing renewal of the mind to align with God's view of shame and honor.

9. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to overcome shame and live with purpose

"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you."

The Spirit's role. The Holy Spirit:

• Cleanses believers from shame
• Provides inner assurance of God's love
• Empowers for mission and purpose

Living in the Spirit's power. Believers can:

• Experience ongoing cleansing and renewal
• Find confidence in their identity as God's children
• Engage in meaningful service and witness

The Holy Spirit's presence and power are essential for overcoming shame and living out our new identity in Christ. This divine empowerment enables believers to move from shame-based paralysis to purposeful living.

10. Shame before God should lead to repentance, not hiding

"If you experience shame before God, a desire to run and hide from him, you have no more important matters to consider."

Healthy shame vs. toxic shame.

• Healthy shame leads to repentance and restoration
• Toxic shame leads to hiding and self-condemnation

God's response to our shame. When we come to God:

• He offers forgiveness and cleansing
• He restores relationship and intimacy
• He empowers us for renewed obedience

While shame often drives us to hide from God, the biblical response is to run towards Him in repentance. This counterintuitive move opens the door to experiencing God's grace and restoration.

11. Christians may face worldly shame but can find confidence in their identity in Christ

"Do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God."

Potential for worldly shame. Christians may face:

• Ridicule or rejection for their faith
• Temptation to compromise to avoid shame
• Pressure to conform to worldly standards

Overcoming worldly shame. Believers can:

• Find confidence in their identity in Christ
• View suffering for Christ as a privilege
• Focus on eternal rewards rather than temporary approval

While following Christ may lead to worldly shame, believers can find deep confidence and purpose in their identity as God's children. This perspective enables them to stand firm in the face of rejection and even find joy in suffering for Christ.

Last updated: April 19, 2025